Continental to test-fly plane using bio-diesel fuel

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Source: MSNBC

Continental to test flight powered by biofuel
Airlines experiment with alternative fuels to help deal with volatile prices

updated 10:03 a.m. PT, Mon., Dec. 8, 2008

HOUSTON - Continental Airlines Inc. said Monday it will test the use of a biofuel blend to power one of its jetliners on a flight that won't carry any passengers.

Airlines are studying the use of alternative fuels to help deal with volatile jet fuel prices that spiked to record highs this summer, and to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Continental said the plane on the Jan. 7 flight in Houston will use a special blend of half conventional fuel and half biofuel with ingredients derived from algae and jatropha plants.

The airline said it would be the first flight by a commercial carrier using algae as a fuel source and the first with a two-engine aircraft, a Boeing 737-800.

Houston-based Continental said its partners on the project include jet maker Boeing Co., which helped form a group in Seattle to look for sustainable fuels that don't use farm land to produce the ingredients.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28113574/