JAL to test second-generation biofuel
23 Jun 2008
Japan Airlines (JAL) is set to joint the ranks Virgin Atlantic and Continental, by conducting a special flight to demonstrate the use of second-generation biofuels by the aviation industry, in association with aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
JAL's partnership with Boeing Co and engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney will see the airline provide an aircraft and flight crew for a demonstration flight of around one hour. A yet-to-be-decided second-generation biofuel will be blended with jet fuel for the flight, and will be tested in one of the four engines of JAL's Boeing 747-300 aircraft that is driven by Pratt and Whitney JT9D engines.
Boeing had earlier participated with Virgin Atlantic, GE Aviation and Imperium Renewables in the first airline bio-fuels test flight last February.
JAL's flight is scheduled for sometime before the end of the current fiscal year, ending in March 2009. The airline said this would be the first biofuel demonstration by an Asian carrier, and also the first using Pratt and Whitney engines.
