Nippon Cargo Airlines to test costly biofuel on its new B747-8 Freighter

NIPPON Cargo Airlines (NCA) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 747-8 Freighter, which will undertake its first biofuel test flight.

The new aircraft will become the first B747-8 to use a blend of "environmentally progressive biofuels" (jet kerosene and used cooking oil) to fly across the Pacific Ocean, said a Boeing statement.

Said Nippon managing director Takuzo Nomura: "We are excited to take delivery of this new fuel-efficient freighter, which will be a perfect addition to NCA's cargo fleet. The 747-8 Freighter will provide improved economics and efficiency as well as environmental benefits that are all essential in today's market."

The 747-8 Freighter will provide double-digit improvements in fuel burn, operating costs and lower emissions over the 747-400 Freighter. The 747-8 Freighter also provides 16 per cent more revenue-generating cargo volume.

Earlier tests of sustainable biofuels on flights between Montreal and South American destinations by Air Canada, Toronto's Porter Airlines, Aeromexico and Brazilian GOL Airlines found them too expensive for regular use.

"To make this a day-to-day commercial reality, it requires political will to scale up the use of biofuels. We need a clear endorsement by governments and all aviation stakeholders to venture beyond today's limitations," said Airbus chief operations officer Fabrice Bregier.

The Canada-South America test flights were part of an initiative by the UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to meet recommendations of the Rio +20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development.

Boeing environmental public relations officer Terrance Scott said 85 per cent of the cost of biofuel production is tied to feedstock - growing it, cultivating it and bringing it to market. Once producers figure out how to decrease their costs, biofuels will become more affordable.