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A biofuel airline is a concept that may become reality when hurdles and problems can be resolved. Several airlines have successfully tried biofuel journeys including Virgin Atlantic Air, Japan Airlines and Continental Airlines. With the cost of jet fuel continually fluctuating and a key operating expense, airlines are seeking alternatives to costly energy.
Although the first test flights were successful, there are some stumbling blocks requiring removal to make biofuels a successful alternative. One fuel source evaluated was jatropha, a plant considered toxic. The seeds make an efficient jet fuel.
An eco-friendly plant source must be sustainable. What sustainable plants means is this plant must not interfere with other plants necessary for food, and cannot become the cause of further deforestation.
Jatropha can grow in marginal lands with minimal water. This plant would be a temptation to other food and plant industries in places such as Southeast Asia where farmers could see the ease and value of growing such crops.
They may take the short-sighted approach and forego food crops for cash crops resulting in food shortages for the area. Effective control of the raising of this poisonous plant must be carefully studied and restrictions on growth maintained by governments.
Any biofuel requires cost effectiveness, another obstacle to this fledgling industry. Even Jatropha requires refining and currently the cost to refine one gallon of fuel is higher than current jet fuel prices. Although airlines wish to be more eco friendly, the high fuel costs will negatively affect airline profitability. Until refineries can make fuels that are cost effective, airlines will continue using conventional jet fuel.
Biofuel availability is another impediment for use by airline industries. Fuel needs to be readily available to airlines and biofuels have not established consistent sources to provide the necessary volume required. Airplane modifications will be required so an established biofuel is necessary.
Airlines may be many years away from use of biofuels as investors seek cost effective and sustaining plant sources for fuel sources. Eco-friendly must be eco-sound and biofuel sources can create more eco-damage. As most areas for biofuel plant growth are in Third World countries, a delicate balance will require monitoring. Without monitors, fuel crop overproduction can occur adversely affecting food crops and vital plant life.
