Alternative fuel can power 15% of flights by 2020

Alternative fuels could power 15% of global air traffic by 2020 and 30% by 2030, European aircraft-maker Airbus said at the Dubai Airshow. “If we get the right sources, it is possible that 15% of the world’s jet fuel will come from sustainable sources by 2020, and 30% will come from sustainable sources by 2030,” said Ross Walker, engineering program manager for alternative fuels at Airbus. Airbus conducted its first test of an aircraft using a 50-50 mix of GTL (gas-to-liquid) and kerosene in one engine in 2008, while a Qatar Airways Airbus A340 flew from London to Qatar burning a GTL-kerosene mix in all four engines in October. (November 17, 2009)