- On 24th Feb 2008, we operated the first ever flight by a commercial airline using a biofuel blend. We were keen to demonstrate to the industry that alternative fuels were a viable alternative to traditional kerosene.
- In October 2011, we announced a parternship with New Zealand based company LanzaTech to develop a world-first low-carbon aviation fuel. LanzaTech’s process will see waste gases from industrial steel production being captured, fermented and chemically converted for use as a jet fuel. The world first fuel production process recycles waste carbon monoxide (CO) gases that would otherwise be burnt off into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2). This fuel will have roughly half the total life cycle carbon content compared to kerosene – as it is effectively getting two uses. LanzaTech estimates that its process can apply to 65% of the world’s steel mills, offering the potential for the fuel to be rolled out for worldwide commercial use.
- As a founding member, we continue to play an active part in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), which is focused on accelerating the development and uptake of biofuels that achieve rigorous social, environmental and economic standards for sustainability. We’re liaising with the Carbon War Room’s aviation stream in developing criteria against which we can review biofuel producers and suppliers, to be sure that they meet all the essential standards for quality, sustainability and scalability.