Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet says it has operated the country's first flight using biofuel on 27 August.
SpiceJet deployed a Bombardier Q400 on the Dehradun-Delhi route, which carried a blend of air turbine fuel (75%) and biofuel (25%).
Made from jathropha crop, and developed locally by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Petroleum, the biouel met the specification standards of Pratt & Whitney and Bombardier for commercial application in aircraft, states SpiceJet.
Such blends could potentially reduce its carbon footprint by 15%, it adds.
“SpiceJet is delighted to operate the first 'BioJet' fuel flight in India. This fuel is low-cost and helps in significantly reducing carbon emissions. It has the potential to reduce our dependence on traditional aviation fuel by up to 50% on every flight and bring down fares. India is the fastest growing aviation market in the world today and it is our responsibility to grow using clean and sustainable technologies,” says Ajay Singh, SpiceJet's chairman and managing director.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
