Electric Car

What are alternative fuels

1 February 2008 There are two main categories of alternative fuels, fossil and biological. Fossil fuels are derived non-renewable sources such as coal and natural gas. Biological fuels are derived from renewable sources such as crops, waste and algae.
Current commercial aircraft fly with oil-derived jet fuel (kerosene), however Airbus' research has led to the test flight using gas to liquid kerosene (GTL). This is defined as a middle distillate product, synthesised from natural gas through the Fisher-Tropsch process. This process, which converts gas to liquid fuel, was developed by German scientists in the 1920's and refined by Airbus' collaborative partner Shell over the past 30 years. GTL kerosene is similar to jet fuel but has the advantage of being cleaner, resulting in lower emissions. Small quantities of GTL kerosene have been used previously in blends with jet fuel in flight trials in the US and all results have been positive. Other types of alternative fuels include bio-mass to liquid (BTL) and coal to liquid (CTL). These are at various stages of development but the end product is identical and independent of the original source, making it flexible and uniquely suited for applications such as aviation, where a generic approval for such fuels (also called xTL) is pursued. The x denotes the flexibility of hydrogen and carbon containing feedstocks that can be used in the Fisher-Tropsch process. Alternative fuel testing is in line with Airbus' policy to lead the way in environmental research.

Airbus delivers on eco-efficiency

The year 2007 was another record year for Airbus, a successful but challenging year. In 2008, Airbus continues to plan for the future introducing its latest global market forecast, which covers growing world demand for aviation and its environmental and economic impact. In parallel, Airbus, at the forefront of eco-efficient developments, performs the first ever flight by a commercial aircraft using alternative fuel. It’s not the final answer to developing a clean and sustainable fuel technology but it’s a big step towards this goal.And further proof that at Airbus, we are putting the environment at the top of our agenda as we look to the future