Indonesia makes first flight using palm oil fuel

Operated by Garuda Indonesia, the Boeing 737-800NG was carrying more than 100 passengers from the capital Jakarta to the city of Surakarta, about 550 km away, according to Garuda Indonesia CEO Irfan Setiaputra.

Indonesia is increasing its use of bioenergy made from palm oil. Photo: Reuters

“We will discuss further with the Ministry of Energy and others to ensure this fuel is commercially viable,” Irfan added at a ceremony.

Garuda has conducted several tests, including a new fuel test flight without passengers earlier this month and ground engine testing in August.

The palm oil-blended jet fuel is produced by Indonesia's state energy company PT Pertamina at its Cilacap refinery using hydroester and fatty acid (HEFA) technology and is made from refined bleached palm kernel oil.

Pertamina said palm oil-based fuel emits fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels and palm oil-producing countries have called for the fuel to be included in the list of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

The aviation industry, a major emitter of greenhouse gases, is looking to cut carbon emissions by using alternative fuels.

Trung Kien (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/indonesia-thuc-hien-chuyen-bay-dau-tien-su-dung-nhien-lieu-dau-co-post270241.html