United

United Airlines has started using aviation bio-fuel for regularly scheduled commercial flights flying from Los Angeles to San Francisco, US.

Powered by Honeywell Green Jet Fuel, United Airlines expects to deploy 12,500 flights under its initiative to cut CO2 emissions and support energy diversification.

The aviation bio-fuel is produced by AltAir Paramount using Honeywell UOP’s proprietary renewable jet fuel process technology that alters non-edible animal fats and oils into renewable fuels.

The technology can be used by refineries with their existing equipment while producing renewable jet fuels, which could provide 65% to 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in comparison with petroleum-based fuels.

Honeywell said that its Green Jet Fuel can replace nearly 50% of petroleum-derived jet fuel used in flight, does not require changes to the aircraft technology and meets the existing ASTM jet fuel standards for flight.

"Along with our partners at AltAir Paramount, we are taking action every day to minimise our impact on the environment and explore new ways to improve efficiency."

After launching the latest initiative, United will use 30% of renewable jet fuel and 70% of petroleum jet fuel in its flights.

The carrier expects to procure 15 million gallons of aviation bio-fuel from AltAir over a period of three years.

Claimed to operate the world’s first commercial-scale renewable jet fuel production facility, AltAir currently operates various units at the Paramount Petroleum refinery to produce low carbon fuels and chemicals derived from sustainable feedstocks.

The company has refurbished sections of the petroleum refinery in Paramount and is now producing renewable transportation fuels for commercial and military applications.

United Airlines environmental affairs and sustainability managing director Angela Foster-Rice said: "United is a leader in the advancement of alternative fuels, and, along with our partners at AltAir Paramount, we are taking action every day to minimise our impact on the environment and explore new ways to improve efficiency."

Image: United Airlines expects to deploy 12,500 flights under its initiative to cut CO2 emissions. Photo: courtesy of United Continental Holdings.