Air NZ planning to use 10% biofuel

Air New Zealand plans to use 10% biofuel in its domestic fleet by 2012, a move it says will lead to a long-term reduction in its carbon footprint and cut costs under an emission-trading scheme. The Kiwi carrier successfully concluded a world-first test of a second-generation biofuel in a commercial airliner, using a 50-50 mix of conventional Jet A1 and fuel derived from the seeds of the jatropha tree. The test, conducted in conjunction with plane maker Boeing, engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce and refining technology firm UOP, was hailed by participants as a significant first step on the road to developing second-generation aviation biofuels. (December 31, 2008)