In the U.S., the first commercial flight on fuel from algae

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In the U.S., the first commercial flight on fuel from algae

American Airlines Continental Airlines - "daughter" United Continental Holdings - made its first commercial flight on biofuel. This was reported in the official press release of aviation holding company.

Boeing 737-800 with the emblem of "Eco-Skies" took off from Houston and landed in Chicago. Aircraft to refuel, which 40 percent consists of marine algae. Holding United signed with the company Solazyme, which is engaged in the production of biofuels from algae, a contract for annual supply of 7.5 million liters of fuel.

The Wall Street Journal points out that Alaska Airlines also announced its intention to fill aircraft with fuel, 20 per cent consisting of vegetable oil. The publication quoted the head of Bill Ayer airlines (Bill Ayer), who complained about the high cost of biofuels. According to him, for Alaska Airlines ecological fuel costs six times more expensive than usual.

The first flight on biofuel took place three years ago. February 24, 2008 airplane company Virgin Atlantic, on board which had no passengers, made a voyage from London to Amsterdam. The purpose of this flight was to check whether the fuel will not freeze, part consisting of plant material, at an altitude of more than five thousand feet. Biofuel worked only one of the four engines of the aircraft Virgin Atlantic.

http://lenta.ru/news/2011/11/08/bio/