Lufthansa Plans to Mix Biofuels with Jet Kerosene

[Karl]

June 16 (Bloomberg) – Full Article: Bloomberg.com: Germany

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Europe's second-biggest airline, said it plans to mix biofuels with conventional jet kerosene as part of an environmental strategy. The company intends to use jet fuel that's as much as 10% biofuel by 2020, the Cologne, Germany-based airline said in a statement today. The airline also said it aims to cut carbon-dioxide emissions per kilometer flown by 25% by 2020, compared with 2006.

Airlines and aircraft makers are racing to develop a viable alternative to jet fuel as the price of oil rises and aviation is increasingly blamed for contributing to global warming. Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. conducted in February a test flight partly powered by biofuel made from babassu nuts and coconut oil. Lufthansa wants to use biofuel made from non-food sources such as algae, spokesman Peter Schneckenleitner said today. Lufthansa's environmental initiative “clearly demonstrates that we are firmly intent on doing our share in the future in shouldering our responsibility for environment and climate protection,” Chief Executive Officer Wolfgang Mayrhuber said at a news conference in Frankfurt. Airlines worldwide may report combined losses of $6.1 billion this year, the worst since 2003, as waning economic growth and spiraling fuel costs wipe out earnings, the International Air Transport Association said June 2. Jet-fuel prices in northwest Europe have jumped 47% this year, Bloomberg data show. Lufthansa's Schneckenleitner said the airline is talking with manufacturers on the use of biofuels, though the carrier hasn't set any date for a possible test flight.

Related:

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

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