Virgin Atlantic Biofuel Launch

On Sunday 24th January 2008 a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 made the first flight by a commercial aircraft partly powered by biofuel.

Virgin Atlantic Biofuel Launch

The aircraft flew without passengers from London's Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam Schipol Airport using 80% standard jet fuel and 20% biofuel.

The biofuel made from a blend of babassu oil and coconut oil was in one of the Boeing's four main fuel tanks.

The Event Medicine Company provided a nurse and a paramedic at London’s Heathrow Airport to cover the event.

The flight, which was dismissed as a publicity stunt by environmental groups, was preceded by a press conference which took place in a hangar alongside the aircraft.