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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Mike Benbow, Business Editor benbow@heraldnet.com   Published: Saturday, September 29, 2007 Boeing to conduct biofuel test flight in 2008 By Michelle Dunlop Herald Writer EVERETT -- The Boeing Co. has undertaken another effort to power a commercial jet with biofuel, this time pairing up with Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce. In an agreement made public Friday, Boeing, Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce announced their intent to fly a jet using biofuels in the second half of 2008. Earlier this year, Boeing joined forces with Virgin Atlantic and General Electric in a similar endeavor, vowing to conduct a biofuel-powered flight next year, too. "Our near-term goal in this pioneering effort is to identify sustainable alternative bio-jet fuel sources for the planes that are flying today," said Craig Saddler, president of Boeing Australia. "A significant first step is identifying progressive fuel sources that will provide better economic and environmental performance for air carriers, without any change to aircraft engines or the aviation fuel infrastructure." Boeing is exploring second-generation biofuel feed stocks and processes that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gases. Engineers in Everett have been researching alternative sources of fuel such as hydrogen, coal-based additives and fuel made from plants. Airplanes produces about 2 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Plane makers like Boeing argue that newer jets, such as its 787, emit significantly less carbon dioxide. The lightweight Dreamliner, built mostly of composite material, will burn 20 percent less fuel than comparable aircraft. The European Union, however, isn't convinced that's good enough. The EU reaffirmed Friday its plan to limit carbon dioxide emission on jets flying in its airspace. Boeing and its partners have planned a demonstration flight for the second half of 2008 using an Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 equipped with Rolls-Royce engines. The jet biofuels the three are developing can potentially be blended with traditional kerosene fuel to reduce dependency on petroleum-based fuels. "This test flight is another step in our plan to lead the globe in development of the most environmentally responsible airline," said Rob Fyfe, chief executive of Air New Zealand. "We have already taken large steps toward this goal by introducing fuel-efficient Boeing 777s and we eagerly await the first of our 787-9 Dreamliners, which will burn 20 percent less fuel than the planes they replace." Air New Zealand is a launch customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for entry into service in 2008. Air New Zealand will receive its first 787-9 in 2010. Boeing has orders for more than 700 Dreamliner jets. Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.

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