China completes first biofuel test flight

Posted by Claire Manning

China has conducted its first test flight with an aeroplane run on biofuel, with commentators claiming the event was a success.

Air China teamed up with Boeing, Honeywell UOP, Civil Aviation Administration of China, PetroChina and technology firm Pratt & Whitney to develop the biofuel - which was used as a direct replacement for standard jet fuel in the test flight - as well as to help get the plane off the ground.

The plane in question was a Boeing 747 and was unmodified when it took off and flew for over an hour powered by biofuel.

"As one of the largest and fasting growing aviation markets, China needs to grow its aviation industry in an environmentally friendly and economical way," said He Li, senior vice president, Air China.

"This flight is an important milestone for Air China and the aviation industry, as it demonstrates that aviation biofuels are viable and sustainable."

The biofuel is now thought to be ready for use in commercial flights.