Virgin shows off new Dreamliner, gets backing for low carbon 'ground-breaking' flight

Virgin shows off new Dreamliner, gets backing for low carbon 'ground-breaking' flight
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One of the world's largest banking organisations, HSBC, has pitched in support for Virgin Atlantic’s partnership with LanzaTech to launch a “world-first” flight using a “ground-breaking low carbon fuel” now set for lift off as soon as 2015.

LanzaTech is currently developing the “revolutionary fuel” which uses waste gases from industrial steel production converted for use as jet fuel.

According to the airline, HSBC’s support will allow for production of the innovative fuel to move from “sample size” to “demo scale” for the proving flight which will half the carbon footprint of petroleum jet.

“Virgin Atlantic was the first commercial airline to demonstrate the potential of a bio-fuel flight back in 2008 and today we are leading the way again as we work towards cleaner, more sustainable air travel,” Virgin Atlantic, president, Richard Branson said, speaking at the launch event of the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, an aircraft said to use over 20% less fuel on a per flight basis than the aircraft it replaces.

Virgin Atlantic’s Dreamliner will make up 40% of its fleet and will join the LanzaTech fuel solution as a major contributor towards the airline’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% per revenue tonne km between 2007 and 2020. The carrier has placed an order for 15 787-Dreamliners, the largest single order by a European carrier.

LanzaTech estimates that its process can apply to 65% of the world’s steel mills, allowing the fuel to be scaled up for worldwide use.

“It will be a commercially viable option for airlines as it is a ‘drop in’ fuel, requiring no modifications to engine or aircraft technology, and will be produced at a cost comparable to conventional jet fuel,” LanzaTech said.

“Together with our partners, we understand the need to have a fully sustainable fuel that is economic and has no impact on water, land or food resources. From mill to wing-LanzaTech’s carbon recycling platform challenges the status quo. Today, we recycle glass, paper and metals so why not carbon?” LanzaTech chief executive, Dr Jennifer Holmgren said.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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