Biofuel development 'could help airports'

Airports, passengers and local communities could all benefit from the development of biofuel for aircraft, Virgin Atlantic has claimed.

A spokesman for the airline stressed the importance of innovation in the aviation market if the climate change issue is to be addressed.

He explained that Virgin Atlantic is focusing on the development of biofuel, which is derived from natural sources, and plans to carry out a demonstration flight in partnership with Boeing and engine maker GE next year.

"Biofuel clearly helps, if the demonstrations go well, in reducing emissions because biofuel would produce, we hope, lower emissions, lower carbon and lower CO2 and that would help on the ground and in the air," said Paul Charles, the airline's director of communications.

"If you are producing fewer emissions then it is obviously healthier for local communities, for the airport itself and for those in the air."

Virgin Atlantic has placed an order with Boeing for the manufacturer's new 787 Dreamliner, which reportedly burns 27 per cent less fuel per passenger than the Airbus A340, which it will be replacing in the carrier's fleet.