- Posted by: Landia Davies
- February 28, 2008, 8:30 am
The world’s first jumbo jet biofuel-powered flight took to the skies on Sunday, marking the start of a new era in flight history in terms of the environmental impacts of the aviation industry.
The aviation industry is making progress in facing climate change - with the first biofuel jumbo jet flight leading the way to more sustainable air travel and in the long run more responsible international air travel with a reduced carbon footprint.
The Virgin Atlantic Airways jet flew from London to Amsterdam successfully completing the first alternative fuel flight.
The fuel used in the trial flight was made from coconut and babassu palm oil, amongst other natural oils, from Brazil and the Philippines. The Boeing 747-400 engines were fuelled by a mixture including 25% biofuel.
The environmental benefits of using biofuel alternatives is however debatable. According to Greenpeace the high-altitude emissions are still a concern for global warming, regardless of the fuel source. Also according to Friends of the Earth biofuels are detracting from the overall fight against climate change, serving as a distraction considering the mounting
evidence that the carbon savings from biofuels are negligible.
Progress in the development of more sustainable alternative fuel sources is encouraging nevertheless and other airlines are said to be readying to follow suite in using biofuel blends. One of these is said to be Air New Zealand, with its preference being for a fuel derived from algae. The algae used for biofuel is grown in sewage ponds or hardy woody plants. Plans to use algae to manufacture biofuel in the future will help prevent environmental degradation through deforestation, according to Virgin Atlantic Airline’s president Sir Richard Branson .
Read more on the Daily Green or this CNN article.
For more information about responsible travel contact us at Africa Travel Guide or visit the responsible adventure travel website of Pathfinders Africa for responsible travel information.
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About the Author
Landia Davies has recently joined Africa Travel Guide as the new online editor. A nature lover and passionate traveler she loves exploring and is always looking for new adventures. Landia hopes to become a highly accomplished travel writer and knowledgeable vagabond. Growing up on the coast of South Africa, she enjoys the outdoors and soaking up local culture.
