Lufthansa concluded its long-term bio fufel study by operating the world’s first bio fuel-powered transatlantic commercial flight to the United States.

The carrier used a Boeing 747-400 carrying approximately 40 tons of bio fuel mix from Frankfurt to Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C on Jan. 12, 2012.

Through its pioneering burnFAIR project, Lufthansa was the first airline to use bio fuel on regularly scheduled commercial flights in an effort to study the long-term effect of bio fuel on engine maintenance and engine life, as well as the environmental impact.

Between July 15 and Dec. 27, 2011, a Lufthansa Airbus A321 operating along the Hamburg-Frankfurt route had one of its engines powered by a 50-50 blend of regular fuel and biosynthetic kerosene. In all, 1,187 biofuel flights were conducted, and according to initial calculations, the total consumption of the biokerosene mix amounted to 1,556 tons and CO2 emissions were reduced by 1,471 tons.

Joachim Buse, vice-president aviation biofuel at Lufthansa, observed: “Our burnFAIR project went off smoothly and to our fullest satisfaction. As expected, bio fuel proved its worth in daily flight operations.”

Biosynthetic kerosene is just as reliable as conventional jet fuel but with less environmental impact. Thanks to the higher energy density of bio fuel, the fuel consumption of the corresponding engine is reduced by more than one percent. Furthermore, biosynthetic kerosene is free of sulphur and aromatic compounds.

The principle behind bio fuel is based on the carbon cycle through which plants withdraw CO2 from the atmosphere via photosynthesis. When aircraft engines burn biofuel, CO2 is released back into the atmosphere at a rate of about 50% less than conventional fossil fuels.

Buse noted that “As a next step, we will focus on the suitability, availability, sustainability and certification of raw materials. But first we must tap into this market. However, Lufthansa will only continue this practical trial if we can secure a supply of sustainable, certified raw materials.”

The bio fuel program is part of Lufthansa’s continued commitment to limiting the environmental effects of flying through the sparing use of resources, participation in climate research, and ongoing improvements to air and ground efficiencies, among other initiatives.

For more, go to http://www.puresky.de/en/ .