2.26.2008 8:49 AM

Virgin Launches Biofuel Jet

Nuts Aren't Just for Mid-Flight Snacking Anymore

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Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic, and Captain George Andreasen launch the first biofuel flight.

Photo: Press Association via AP Images

By Dan Shapley

The world's first jumbo jet to burn biofuel successfully flew from London to Amsterdam Sunday, and other airlines are poised to follow in its wake.

One of the Boeing 747-400 engines was fueled by a mixture that included 25% biofuel made from babassu palm nut and coconut oil, among other natural oils.

Air New Zealand is among the companies looking to follow suit, according to the New Zealand Herald. Its fuel of choice may be derived from algae grown in sewage ponds or jatropha, a "woody plant that can grow on barren, marginal land."

Still, as Greenpeace pointed out, high-altitude emissions are still a concern for global warming, regardless of the fuel source.

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