United Continental Holdings announced that its subsidiary Continental Airlines is operating the first U.S. commercial flight powered by advanced biofuels.
Flight 1403, a Boeing 737-800, departed Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport at 10:30 a.m. for Chicago O’Hare International Airport, making United the first U.S. airline to fly passengers using a blend of sustainable, advanced biofuel and traditional petroleum-derived jet fuel.
“United is taking a significant step forward to advance the use of environmentally responsible and cost-efficient alternative fuels,” said Pete McDonald, United’s executive vice president and chief operations officer. “Sustainable biofuels, produced on a large scale at an economically viable price, can one day play a meaningful role in powering everyone’s trip on an airline.”
Today’s flight demonstrates United’s commitment to sustainable biofuels and making progress toward enhancing energy security, diversity of our fuel supply and a reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
“Today, roughly four months since the approval of hydroprocessed renewable fuels in commercial aviation, we are excited to see the deployment of these fuels on a domestic U.S. flight,” said Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Vice President and Chief Economist John Heimlich. “ATA member airlines continue to demonstrate leadership in fostering new and environmentally preferred sources of energy to transport people and goods throughout the globe.”
Powered by the World’s First 100 Percent Algae-Derived Jet Fuel
Solazyme, working with Honeywell’s UOP process technology, developed the algae oil that was refined into jet fuel to power today’s commercial flight. Solazyme produced the world’s first 100 percent algae-derived jet fuel for both commercial and military applications.
Also, United announced it had signed a letter of intent with Solazyme to negotiate the purchase of 20 million gallons of jet fuel per year, derived exclusively from algae oil, for delivery as early as 2014. Solazyme, headquartered in south San Francisco, manufactured the algae oil used on the flight through its proprietary fermentation process. The end product was then refined outside Houston using renewable jet fuel processing technology from Honeywell’s UOP.
“Looking at United, a company that understands the sustainability of tomorrow means environmental responsibility today, we see a true pioneer in the future of flight,” said Jonathan Wolfson, Solazyme’s CEO. “Solazyme is deeply committed to commercializing our renewable oil production technology, and we’re excited to be partnering with United on the first U.S. commercial biofuel flight.”
Underscoring Eco-Skies, United’s Commitment to the Environment
Operating the first U.S. revenue advanced biofuel flight represents a major milestone in Eco-Skies, United’s commitment to leading commercial aviation as an environmentally responsible company by taking actions today that shape an environmentally sustainable future. Eco-Skies builds upon United and Continental’s solid track record for improving aircraft fuel efficiency and introducing sustainability programs.
Continental in 2009 made history as the first North American carrier to perform a two-engine aircraft flight demonstration using sustainable biofuels derived from algae and jatropha. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft used in that demonstration, tail number 516, is the same aircraft operating today’s flight. In 2010 United conducted the first flight by a U.S. commercial airline using synthetic fuel made from natural gas.
“Advancing a greener, more diverse fuel supply for the future is a top priority for United,” said Jimmy Samartzis, United’s managing director of global environmental affairs and sustainability. “Our environmental actions and commitment extend beyond that — we are reducing our impact on the environment in the air and on the ground with our business partners and across our communities.”
For further information on United and United Airlines and their environmental efforts, visit the United Continental Holdings website. To read up on previous Avition Biofuel articles, see Avinor Initiates Biofuel Study for Aviation in Norway.
Source: United Continental Holdings
Editorial Director
