- Bio-fuels take off in airline industry
Holiday flights by Thomson Airways to Palma and Alicante from Birmingham will soon be powered by a biofuel made up of re-claimed cooking oil.
The first regular flight is scheduled to leave Birmingham International on July 28th, when the Boeing 757 will be powered on a fuel made up of 50% cooking oil and 50% airline fuel. Flights to Alicante using the biofuel will follow in the autumn.
The oil, provided by a Dutch company, is more expensive than traditional aeroplane fuel, prompting calls for government recognition that this emissions-heavy industry is starting to take action to reduce its footprint.
Chris Browne, managing director of the leading tour company, said: “We urge UK and EU governments to review the legislation and remove the barriers around sustainable biofuels so that other airlines can follow our lead.”