China commercial flight uses Sinopec bio-jet fuel

OREANDA-NEWS. Chinese airline Hainan Airlines has flown the first commercial flight powered by biofuel produced by Chinese state-controlled oil firm Sinopec.

The 21 March flight departed from Shanghai's Hongqiao airport for a 2?-hour journey to Beijing international airport .

Sinopec's bio-jet fuel used for this flight comprises 50pc conventional jet fuel and 50pc biofuel derived from waste oil. It uses renewable resources including coconut oil, palm oil, jatropha oil, linseed oil, algae oil, food oil and animal fats. Carbon emissions are estimated to be reduced by more than 35pc using bio-jet fuel compared with conventional petroleum-based aviation fuel.

Airlines have been examining the use of biofuels amid a stronger focus on cutting emissions. The global aviation industry has a target of reducing net CO2 emissions by 50pc by 2050 compared with a 2005 benchmark and capping net aviation CO2 emissions after 2020, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said. Bio-jet fuel may account for 30pc of the global jet fuel market by 2020, IATA said.

Jet fuel prices could come under pressure if more airlines start using biofuel.