KLM Passenger Jet via KLM
The oldest airline with the same name since it started, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines founded in the Netherlands in 1919, is showing off the first use of a biofuel blend on a commercial passenger aircraft. 170 passengers on a Boeing 737-800 flew from Amsterdam to Paris on June 22, 2011. KLM managing director Camiel Eurlings spoke about the use of the fuel, "In November 2009 we demonstrated that it was technically possible to fly on biokerosene. Now, a year and a half after our first demonstration flight on Camelina, a new phase has been entered around the world, that of certification. Authorisation will soon be granted to operate commercial flights on biofuel. I am especially proud to announce that KLM will take this substantial step in September."
Biokerosene if a 50/50 blend of kerosene and biofuel made from used cooking oil produced by Dynamic Fuels, a Tyson Foods and Syntroleum Corporation partnership. The Biokerosene met the same specifications of standard kerosene, and required no modification to the aircraft. The end result was a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions and a minimum negative impact on biodiversity and the food supply due to the fuel source.
KLM's consortium that is seeking out and developing sustainable aviation biofuel, SkyNRG, supplied the fuel. After seeking the advice of an independent sustainability board consisting of Solidaridad, Copernicus Institute of the University of Utrecht, and the World Wide Fund for Nature, they were given the OK on the mix of Biokerosene.
KLM admits that the price of the Biokerosene is very high. To meet true sustainability, the price of the fuel has to "come down substantially and permanently." However, KLM's demonstration is an indicator of big changes on the way. No wonder KLM has been a sector leader of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the past six years.
Perhaps they should look into algae, as in the recent U.S. Navy's recent biofuel helicopter test fight.
Eavesdropper
