The first commercial biofuel flight from the United Arab Emirates was made by Etihad.
Etihad Airways completed its first commercial flight from the UAE to biofuels produced from plants grown in Abu Dhabi.
The EY77 flight from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam was partially carried out on locally produced biofuels, whose oil was refined by Adnoc Refining and delivered to Adnoc Distribution as part of a program to develop clean fuels for jet engines, the airline said Wednesday.
“This is a small step for humanity, but a giant step for us,” said Tony Douglas, executive director of Etihad Aviation Group, at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, “It proves that we can reduce carbon emissions in aviation.”
Airlines have been experimenting with biofuels for years to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. The International Air Transport Association has set the goal of halving carbon emissions by 2050 compared to 2005 levels.
The biofuel used by Etihad was produced by a non-profit organization established by the Masdar Institute, which in turn is part of the Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
Biofuel for the flight was derived from oil from plants grown on a two-hectare farm in Masdar City. This farm specializes in the production of fuel and food in salt water. Fish and shrimp in this water provide plants with nutrients.
Biofuel is mixed directly with jet fuel and does not require any engine modifications.
