Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand and Boeing are teaming up in an effort to develop the world’s first green aviation fuel.
The proposed biofuel would be made of pond and sea weed and would free the industry from its present dependence on oil – the cost of which looks set to drive many carriers out of business.
Commenting on the new partnership, Sir Richard Branson told The Mail on Sunday that he envisaged Virgin Atlantic’s fleet to be running partly on algae-based fuel within five years.
“It offers huge potential,” he asserted. “Crucially it is a source of biofuel which doesn’t lead to deforestation or taking away of land or water from the cultivation of essential food crops.”
Scientists believe algae could be the key to developing a greener aviation industry because of its ability to duplicate rapidly. It also produces 15 times more oil per hectare than leading biofuel alternatives.
Royal Dutch Shell is also currently exploring new ways of developing algae-based fuel at a purpose-built plant in Hawaii.
