SpiceJet debuts biofuel-powered flights in India

SpiceJet has operated India's first biofuel-powered flight. A Bombardier Q400 aircraft was used for the test flight from Dehradun to Delhi, which lasted nearly 45 minutes. With the successful test flight, India has become one of the few countries in the world to use biofuel for planes.

The plane carried 28 people including officials from the DGCA, SpiceJet, Indian Institute of Petroleum and 5 crew members. For the test flight, the aircraft's right engine was fed with 75% aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and 25% biofuel. 330 kg of biofuel was prepared for the flight by CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun from the Jatropha plant.

The fuel, which is recognised by American Standard Testing Method (ASTM), meets the required specification standards set by Pratt & Whitney and Bombardier for commercial application in aircraft.

The Petroleum Ministry has also announced that it will be introducing a new biofuel policy. The government is hopeful that the increased use of biofuel would benefit farmers and reduce oil imports.

On August 26, SpiceJet tested a biofuel-powered flight for 20 minutes in the skies around Dehradun. The Dehradun-Delhi flight was carried out only after the initial test flight yielded positive results.

Source: Economic Times

Image source: Conde Nast Traveller India