By definition, air travel leaves behind a pretty significant carbon footprint. But things are improving, and some airlines are making efforts toward going green.
Recently, Hainan Airlines made the first biofuel flight in China, flying from Shanghai to Beijing on a 737. It was powered by fuel made from used cooking oil collected from restaurants in China.
Lufthansa was the first airline to attempt long-term usage of a biofuel blend, with a six-month test run on its Frankfurt to Hamburg route.
A few years ago, Brazil’s GOL airline tried a different kind of fuel, made from sugar cane.
In fact, the concept isn’t exactly new, with airlines testing out alternative fuels as far back as 2008.
Biofuels were approved for use in commercial flights in 2011, which was immediately followed by United testing out a blend made from algae.
But what it comes down to right now is a matter of dollars and cents. It’s not yet a profitable way for an airline to fly, but the good news is that the technology is here and it’s only going to get better.
For more information about eco-friendly travel, check out:
- Go Green in 2015: Sustainable Travel Destinations
- Catalina Island: Southern California’s Ecotourism Playground
- The Top 10 Eco-Friendly Travel Gadgets for Earth Day
Keep reading for more travel tips.
