Airlines harnessing the power of algae-to-fuel aviation

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Continental Airlines today is demonstrating the use of sustainable biofuel to power a commercial aircraft for the first time ever in North America. The demonstration flight — which is being conducted in partnership with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM International, and Honeywell’s UOP — marks the first sustainable biofuel demonstration flight by a commercial carrier using a two-engine aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 equipped with CFM International CFM56-7B engines.

The flight is one of a series of trials taking place around the world, where airlines are testing different types of biofuel to determine the viability of using sustainable alternatives to the Jet-A1 (kerosene) fuel currently used by commercial aviation. This is the first test flight to take place in North America and the first to use a twin-engine aircraft.

"This demonstration flight represents another step in Continental’s ongoing commitment to fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Larry Kellner. "The technical knowledge we gain today will contribute to a wider understanding of the future for transportation fuels."

Paul Steele, Executive Director of the Air Transport Action Group , the only global organization representing all parts of the commercial air transport sector, said that today’s flight was being watched closely by the aviation industry, "We have been looking at a number of potential fuel sources as long-term replacements for today’s jet fuel. Algae has been identified as one of the most promising alternatives so we are eager to see how it performs in normal operating conditions.

"We congratulate Continental Airlines on taking this step towards a sustainable future. It is also significant that Continental has worked so closely with partners Boeing, CFM International and Honeywell UOP in carrying out this test. Aviation is setting the standard for cross-industry cooperation projects to reduce our environmental impact. By working together, great things can be achieved."

The biofuel blend includes components derived from algae and jatropha plants, both sustainable, second-generation sources that do not impact food crops or water resources or contribute to deforestation. The algae oil has been provided by Sapphire Energy, and the jatropha oil by Terasol Energy. This is the first time a commercial carrier will power a flight using fuel derived in part from algae.

The aircraft’s No. 1 engine will operate on 100 percent traditional jet fuel, allowing Continental to compare performance between the biofuel blend and traditional fuel. As Continental has worked with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM and UOP for more than nine months to carefully evaluate and test the biofuel in engines on the ground, no difference in performance is expected.

The biofuel is a "drop-in" fuel, and no modifications to the aircraft or engine are necessary for the flight to operate. The biofuel meets and exceeds specifications necessary for jet fuel, including a flash point and a freezing point appropriate for use in aircraft.

Following the flight, Continental will participate with its partners in post-flight engine analysis to ensure that the effect on the engine and aircraft, in addition to performance, is substantively no different between biofuel and traditional fuel.

"Through their leadership Continental Airlines is helping aviation pioneer a greener, more diverse fuel supply for the future," said Billy Glover, managing director, Environmental Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Having a broader, more sustainable fuel portfolio is vital to our industry and demonstrating the viability of these renewable fuels addresses that goal, while potentially helping to further reduce environmental impacts."

In April 2008, a group of aviation industry leaders signed the Aviation Industry Commitment to Action on Climate Change in Geneva, Switzerland. This declaration brought together major players from across the industry – representing airports, airlines, air traffic control organisations and the biggest aircraft and engine manufacturers in the world. Included were Continental Airlines (represented by the International Air Transport Association), Boeing, CFM International and the Houston Airport System.

Paul Steele remarked, "The declaration signed last year in Geneva set the scene for action at a global level to combat aviation’s climate change impact. Although our industry represents just two percent of world manmade CO2 emissions, industry leaders have recognised that all parts of the economy have to play their part in reducing environmental impact.

"Today, with this test flight in Houston, we are one step closer to achieving our goal of carbon neutral growth for aviation."

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