Algae to power Continental Airlines flight

Continental Airlines announced plans for a biofuel test flight on January 7th 2009. Departing from Houston the Boeing 737 flight will be partially powered by a special fuel blend including components derived from algae and jatropha plants.

This journey is being touted as the first by a commercial carrier using algae as a fuel source. The fuel used in one of the two engines during the demonstration flight will be a blend of 50% traditional jet fuel, and 50% biofuel from algae and jatropha, described as sustainable, second-generation fuel sources that do not impact food crops or water resources, and do not contribute to deforestation.

It’s my hope that the current “going green” trend continues and does not end up on a back burner somewhere.

Happy travels!