2.1.2008 10:16 AM

Alternative Fuel Takes Flight

Airbus Is First Commercial Jet to Fly on Natural Gas

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Photo: Airbus

By Olivia Zaleski

In 2005 few thought the Airbus A380, a behemoth of an aircraft, would even make it off the ground, let alone fly. Now, the massive double-decker, the largest passenger plane in the world, is riding high on alternative fuel.

Today, Airbus published a press release stating, "The A380 is the first commercial plane to be powered by alternative fuel." Loaded with special fuel derived from natural gas, the Airbus will take off from its production plant at in western England. Upon takeoff, the plane will perform a three-hour test flight ending at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, southwest France.

Airbus hopes these attention-grabbing efforts will jump-start competition and collaboration for continued development of alternative fuels. "Testing today will support future second generation bio-fuels," said the company's press release. "Fuel and energy are key challenges aviation is facing and for which technology and international research collaboration open up new horizons," said Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. Enders cited "cross industry and cross border collaboration" as the key to an "eco-efficient enterprise."

At a time when the aviation industry is already under great pressure over the impact of aircraft emissions, Airbus' record-making flight will no doubt spark an alternative-fuel fire.

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