Biofuel-powered Boeing 747 to be tested on Dec. 3

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Air New Zealand said it will test a Boeing 747-400 plane partially powered by biofuel on a flight on Dec. 3.

According to Air New Zealand, one of the airplane’s four Rolls-Royce engines will use biofuel derived from oil from the jatropha seed.

“The processing technology exists today, and based on results we’ve seen, it’s highly encouraging that this fuel not only met but exceeded three key criteria for the next generation of jet fuel: higher-than-expected jet fuel yields, very low freeze point and good energy density,” said Billy Glover, managing director of environmental strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in a statement. He heads the Seattle-based division of Chicago-based Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA)

A Honeywell company, UOP, successfully converted jatropha crude oil into biojet fuel for the test, according to the airline.
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