Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-17-2010

Abstract

TAM Airlines, Brazil's largest carrier, announced Nov. 23 that it successfully conducted an experimental 45-minute flight off the coast of Rio de Janeiro using a 50 percent blend of locally sourced Brazilian jatropha-based bio-kerosene and conventional aviation kerosene. A joint project between TAM, Airbus and CFM International, the flight was the first flown in Latin America and the sixth worldwide since 2008 to use aviation biofuel. How viable are biofuels as a commercial alternative to traditional kerosene in the aviation industry? What environmental advantages or disadvantages do they pose? How advanced are safety standards for the use of biofuels or other fuel alternatives?

Language

English

Share

COinS