Environmentalists are increasingly concerned about the carbon emissions given off by airplanes. Although they do not emit as many fumes as cars, their fuel exhaust is released right into the upper levels of our atmosphere.
This means that, when compared to automobiles, airplanes can do more damage in less time.
Realizing this, many airlines and manufacturing companies are working together to find a solution. Their greatest emphasis is finding an alternative fuel source that is more environmentally friendly, and ultimately cheaper, than current petroleum options.
Biofuel for Planes
Just recently, Continental Airlines successfully flew a Boeing 737 with a 50-50 mix of regular fuel and an organic biofuel. Prior to that, a similar test saw Virgin Atlantic send a jet from London to Amsterdam with one of its fuel tanks filled entirely with organic, oil-based fuel. Additionally, two other airlines, Air New Zealand and Japan Airlines, have recently run biofuel test flights.
Although these test flights were all relatively short in duration, they proved a large, passenger plane could run efficiently with alternative fuel options. This is a big step considering most of the usual biofuels, like ethanol, are not viable for airplane flight. So, researchers had to come up with other biofuel types.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
In addition to biofuels, research is being conducted on the viability of hydrogen fuel cells in airplanes. These cells produce no harmful CO2 emissions and are reported to be twice as efficient as the traditional airplane engine.
In April 2008, Boeing successfully flew a small plane powered by such a method. This successful test was part of a larger project being undertaken by companies in six countries. Ideally, fuel cells could be used to completely power small aircraft and supplement other fuel sources in commercial jets.
GTL Fuel
Another option being pursued is “gas to liquid” (GTL) fuels. GTL, which can be made from natural gas or organic plant products, does not give off the same damaging fumes as traditional aircraft fuel. It also maximizes fuel burn better than petroleum options.
In early 2008, Airbus flew one of its A380 planes on just such a mixture. The test flight, which lasted three hours, took advantage of the A380’s already fuel-efficient engine and proved that GTL is a viable contender for future plane fuel.
More Work to be Done for Alternative Aviation Fuel
Of course, the most obvious benefit of using biofuels on airplanes is a reduction in carbon emissions. However, companies are also attracted to these new fuels because they can help cut costs. Less funding is required to produce and distribute many of the alternative fuels being tested by airlines.
If everything stays on track, commercial biofuel flights could begin in approximately three years. However, it could take much longer to see a major fuel shift. In the meantime, more tests need to be done, biofuel plants need to be built, and airplane technology needs some more modifications.
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