To flight control operators at D.C. Reagan National Airport, a United Airlines flight from Chicago O鈥橦are was just a speck on their radar screens.
But the 100 people who were aboard that December 9 already knew that they made it into aviation history.
Those lucky ones were on the first passenger aircraft flight ever to be powered by 100% plant-based jet fuel.
According to , the new eco-friendly jet fuel was designed by Virient and comes from agricultural waste like corn cobs and stalks.
Today鈥檚 flight is not only a significant milestone for efforts to decarbonize our industry, but when combined with the surge in commitments to produce and purchase alternative fuels, we鈥檙e demonstrating the鈥� impactful way companies can join together and play a role in addressing the biggest challenge of our lifetimes.
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines
The United鈥檚 flight was a gigantic leap for aviation and the environment because up to now, legislation allowed only aircraft with 50% renewable fuels.
However, after completing a successful test flight in October, Virient and United were given a green light to proceed with 100% biofuel.
What amazes the most is that the jet performed the same as if powered by fossil fuel.
This was hardly a surprise to scientists at Virient, as they already found out that their corn-stalk fuel shares many technical specs with petroleum-based fuels.
This means biofuels can soon replace fossil fuels without replacing the entire infrastructure.
With growing concerns about the sustainability of flying, the first carrier that goes 100% bio-fuel might not only reap government incentives but also become the preferred airline for environmentally-aware travelers.
More inspiring green news similar to this:
