The carbon footprint of the airline industry is quite serious. As a result, airlines are under pressure to reduce their carbon emissions to lessen the environmental impact of air travel.
Biofuel Can Be an Alternative, Sustainable Source of Jet Fuel
United Airlines plans to run its jets on fuel made from animal fat, farm waste, and food scraps.
It has announced a $30 million investment in Fulcrum BioEnergy, a California-based company. Fulcrum turns household, farm, and municipal waste into renewable jet fuel. United Airlines plan to blend biofuel with traditional jet fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Starting this summer, United Airlines will fly its commercial jets from Los Angeles to San Francisco using this blended fuel. United Airlines’ first flight using the biofuel will represent a milestone when an American airline runs its passenger flights on alternative jet fuel for the first time.
Starting with a 30/70 mix (30% biofuel and 70% traditional jet fuel), United Airlines will operate four to five flights a day. This will be tried out for a couple of weeks and later on, the biofuel will be blended into the United’s overall supply.
