Although many eco conscious travelers love to take advantage of cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages they are also concerned about the negative carbon footprint created by flying.
Now environmentalists will be pleased to hear that Continental Airlines made its first biofuel powered commercial flight in the U.S. on Monday, November 7th, when its Boeing 737-800 flew between Houston and Chicago.
The Continental flight burned what is being referred to as green jet fuel derived partially from genetically modified algae that feeds off plant waste and produces oil.
This fuel was developed by Solazyme and Honeywell. Their refined oil can power both commercial and military flights.
United Airlines flew the first commercial flight powered by synthetic fuel made from natural gas in 2010.
United Continental Holdings, which is the parent of both airlines, settled on an agreement to purchase 20 million gallons of algae derived fuel from Solazyme beginning as soon as 2014.
In completing the Continental flight on Monday United beat Alaska Airlines by two days which started its own biofuel powered flights on Wednesday, November 9th.
That day Alaska Airlines flew its first biofuel power planes between Seattle and Washington and between Seattle and Portland, Ore. Alaska Horizon is expected to soon commence flights using a biofuel blend.
More U.S. airlines are expected to start flying more cleanly and ultimate more economically vs. continuing to use traditional, petroleum based Jet-A fuel. www.cheapfares.com