Boeing launched its ecoDemonstrator Program in 2012 with an American Airlines 737-800. Photo: Boeing

Why is Boeing Using Green Diesel?

Dec. 3, 2014
A fuel made from vegetable oil, waste cooking oil and waste animal fat, green diesel potentially could cut carbon emissions by 50% to 90% compared to fossil fuel, according to Finland-based Neste Oil, which supplied green diesel to Boeing for a test flight.

Boeing is turning to a new sustainable jet fuel source—green diesel.

A fuel made from vegetable oil, waste cooking oil and waste animal fat, green diesel potentially could cut carbon emissions by 50% to 90% compared to fossil fuel, according to Finland-based Neste Oil, which supplied green diesel to Boeing for a test flight.

During the Dec. 2 test flight, the ecoDemonstrator 787 flew using a blend of 15% green diesel and 85% petroleum jet fuel in the left engine.

"The airplane performed as designed with the green diesel blend, just as it does with conventional jet fuel," said Capt. Mike Carriker, chief pilot, product development and 777X, Boeing test and evaluation. "This is exactly what we want to see in flight tests with a new type of fuel."

More on green diesel on IndustryWeek.

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