Air carrier explore biofuel use

Air New Zealand will explore new technologies, including the use of alternative fuels, to reduce carbon emissions. “We’ve had two or three projects under way looking at biofuels,” Chief Executive Rob Fyfe said. Biofuels are of keen interest to airlines and manufacturers, but one problem had been that their energy content is lower than petroleum-based fuels. However, “some of the biofuels that are being produced now have an absolutely identical specification to the existing petroleum fuels, with the one exception that they’re not petroleum,” he said. The potential use of biofuels is among a range of environmentally friendly initiatives the Kiwi carrier is exploring. The airline says an independent review of its procedures has identified opportunities to reduce its fuel burn by a further 3%. Among these initiatives include working with traffic controller Airways New Zealand to develop improved descent profiles, and reducing the flaps setting for landings to decrease drag and boost fuel efficiency. (August 31, 2007)