The development of alternative aviation fuels could be the key to sustainable air travel, contributing hugely to the industry's emissions-reduction strategy. Using alternative fuels could reduce CO2 emissions by around 80% compared to fossil fuels, without significant changes to fuel supply systems or engines. Research is also underway into fuels that could have a negative emissions lifecycle.
Since the first biofuel test flight on a commercial aircraft took place in 2008, there has been a huge amount of work by the industry and our partners. Certification through the global fuel standards agency ASTM allowed us to operate using biofuels and a quarter of a million flights have taken place on alternative-traditional fuel blend since 2011.