First biofuel trans-Atlantic flight successful

Honeywell International Inc. on Saturday announced that it’s Green Jet Fuel has successfully powered the first transatlantic biofuel flight, which landed safely at Le Bourget Airport outside Paris.

Honeywell operated Gulfstream G450, the first aircraft to be powered by biofuel which flew from North America to Europe with a blend of 50 percent Honeywell Green Jet Fuel produce from camelina, an energy crop that does not compete with other crops in the food chain.

Camelina, which grows in rotation with wheat acreage, is only one of a number of potential biofuel sources identified by Boeing, WSJ reported.

The business jet departed from Morristown, New Jersey, at 9 p.m. on Friday and arrived in Paris about seven hours after takeoff.

Based on life-cycle analysis, the seven-hour flight saved approximately 5.5 metric tons of net carbon dioxide emissions compared to the same flight powered by petroleum-based fuel.

This first biofuel trip with more than a dozen other commercial and military test flights conducted to date, demonstrates that Honeywell Green Jet Fuel more than meets the demanding requirements for air travel, said Jim Rekoske, vice president and general manager of Renewable Energy and Chemicals for Honeywell's UOP.

Now that the initial ASTM International approval is in place, we are one step closer to commercial use that will help the aviation community reduce its carbon footprint and dependence on crude, Rekoske said.

Honeywell said its Green Jet Fuel is a sustainable fuel option that meets all specifications for flight without any modifications to the aircraft or engine.

The company has produced more than 700,000 gallons of biofuel from inedible sources such as camelina, jatropha and algae for use in commercial and military testing. In each of the 16 biofuel flights conducted to date, Honeywell Green Jet Fuel met all expectations.

Honeywell offers a range of technologies to help airlines reduce fuel costs -- the largest single operating cost for airlines.

Honeywell Air Traffic Management supports efforts to make flights safer, more fuel efficient. It also help to shorten flight times, increase flight efficiency and safety through precision navigation and landing systems; and minimize airport delays and carbon footprint.