KLM flights to run off biofuel
KLM, a Dutch airline operator and part of Franco-Dutch Air France-KLM, is aiming to offer flights to the public that will use biofuels.
In November 2009 a 90 minute KLM aeroplane flew over the Netherlands in a Boeing 747.
During this flight one out of the three engines used a 50:50 biofuels blend while the other two ran on 100% kerosene.
According to Peter Hartman, KLM’s chief executive, the biofuels mix used on the November flight reduced carbon dioxide emissions by around 80% compared to regular kerosene.
From the year 2011 KLM hopes to make these biofuels flights commercial, although at this stage it is unknown how many planes will run on sustainable fuel. The exact date for launching these commercial flights would depend on developments in the industry, such as suppliers and certification.
Planes and other aircraft contribute to around 2-4% of the total carbon dioxide emitted globally. Scientists believe that this pollution will cause an increase in temperatures, causing disease to become rife, famine, flooding and widespread droughts.
According to experts, global aviation emissions could almost quadruple to 2.4 billion tonnes between now and 2050.
In November 2009 a 90 minute KLM aeroplane flew over the Netherlands in a Boeing 747.
During this flight one out of the three engines used a 50:50 biofuels blend while the other two ran on 100% kerosene.
According to Peter Hartman, KLM’s chief executive, the biofuels mix used on the November flight reduced carbon dioxide emissions by around 80% compared to regular kerosene.
From the year 2011 KLM hopes to make these biofuels flights commercial, although at this stage it is unknown how many planes will run on sustainable fuel. The exact date for launching these commercial flights would depend on developments in the industry, such as suppliers and certification.
Planes and other aircraft contribute to around 2-4% of the total carbon dioxide emitted globally. Scientists believe that this pollution will cause an increase in temperatures, causing disease to become rife, famine, flooding and widespread droughts.
According to experts, global aviation emissions could almost quadruple to 2.4 billion tonnes between now and 2050.
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