Biofuel Test Flight a First For China

Boeing and Air China have conducted China’s first sustainable biofuel flight. Lifting off from Beijing Capital International Airport, the Oct. 28 test flight lasted two hours and used a sustainable aviation biofuel sourced in China, Boeing said.

(Related: As Jet Fuel Prices Soar, a Green Option Nears the Runway)

(Related: Storage, Biofuel Lead $156 Million in Energy Research Grants)

Jatropha has been tested as a jet biofuel since 2008, when Air New Zealand flew the first test flight using a Boeing 747. Japan Air, Continental and Interjet have also tested jatropha-based biofuel in their planes.

The fuel was used in a Boeing 747-400 powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. Another partner, China National Aviation Fuel, blended the biofuel

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