Alternative Fuels Mean Huge Financial Benefits for All
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
The more green travel options then the better prices that can be offered to air travelers. That's the theory and some airlines are following the path by looking at using biodiesel fuels to cut back on costs.The United States Government is pushing individuals and companies to cut back on emissions released into the atmosphere by turning to alternative fuels. A recent test has shown that the airline industry has the ability of saving almost 4.5 tonnes CO2 by choosing a 50/50 blend of biofuel and traditional Jet A1.
The test flight that has produced the figures discovered that not only could the fuel help the environment but it may also be able to boost profits for struggling airline companies. The 50/50 blend actually used significantly less fuel on a 12 hour long haul flight. The flight was a team effort between Air New Zealand, Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Honeywell's UOP.
The fuel will have to undergo more tests before it will be approved for commercial use. The industry will put it through evaluations and protocols too before the 50/50 blend will be certified for regular use. There will also have to be changes made in airplane engines before the blend will be used. It could be a while before the airline industry sees the benefits of these tests.
The airline industry has seen trouble over the last several years, and thus has forced many companies to file bankruptcy, restructure or sale out. Last years' increased costs in fuel made things even tougher for those airlines that have been struggling.
Regulations are already pushing airline companies towards alternative fuels. The hope is that the success of this first test will help the companies see the financial benefits of choosing alternative fuels and encourage them to make the change to greener fuels even sooner.
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