Biojet fuel deemed 'acceptable'

A NASA research programme carried out in California has revealed that a fuel blend of camelina-based biofuel and conventional kerosene poses no risk to commercial jets.

Scientists at NASA's Langley Research Centre say test flights revealed engine performance remained unchanged when a DC-8 aircraft reached 39,000 feet powered by the fuel mix, AP reports. The study also found a 30% reduction in emissions under 'certain conditions'.

'In terms of these fuels being acceptable for use in commercial aircraft, they're quite acceptable, but we're still digging into the data,' senior research scientist Bruce Anderson was reported to have said.

The study, entitled 'Alternative Fuel Effects on Contrails and Cruise Emissions' saw researchers study the effects of renewable fuels on engine performance, emissions and aircraft-generated contrails at altitude.