Lufthansa aims to fly on biofuel mix by 2020

Lufthansa aims to fly on biofuel mix by 2020

Deutsche Lufthansa plans to fly on jet fuel mixed with 10% biofuel by 2020.

The commitment to use biofuel is part of an environmental strategy released by the German airline yesterday. The strategy also aims to reduce the airline's carbon emissions per flown kilometre by 25% in 2020 as compared to the emission level in 2006.

The biofuel used will be drawn from non-food sources such as algae, according to Lufthansa's spokesperson Peter Schneckenleitner. Lufthansa is the third commercial airline after Virgin Atlantic and Air New Zealand planning to switch to biofuels.

Air New Zealand plans to use biofuel to meet 10% of its fuel needs within the next five years. The Auckland-based airline expects to test fly a Boeing 747-400 Rolls-Royce powered plane on a jatropha-based biodiesel in Q4 2008, subject to final regulatory approvals and fuel testing by the engine manufacturer.

Last year, Virgin Atlantic indicated plans to operate commercially on biofuel-powered aircraft within five years. Virgin is working with Boeing and GE Aviation to test fly plans a jet fuel mix that will include biofuel from sustainable sources.