Continental to be first carrier in the Americas to conduct biofuel flight in
partnership with Boeing, GE Aviation, CFM International, and Honeywell's UOP
Demonstration marks the continued evolution toward low-carbon-lifecycle fuels
HOUSTON, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL)
today announced plans for the first biofuel-powered demonstration flight of a
U.S. commercial airliner, to be conducted in Houston on Jan. 7, 2009.
The demonstration flight, which will be operated with no passengers, will
be powered by a special fuel blend including components derived from algae and
jatropha plants -- sustainable, second-generation fuel sources that don't
impact food crops or water resources, and don't contribute to deforestation.
Continental has partnered on this project with Boeing (NYSE: BA); CFM
International, a 50/50 joint company of General Electric Company and Snecma
(SAFRAN Group); refining technology developer UOP (NYSE: HON), a Honeywell
company; and oil providers Sapphire Energy (algae) and Terrasol (jatropha).
The demonstration flight will be the first biofuel flight by a commercial
carrier using algae as a fuel source and the first using a two-engine
aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 equipped with CFM International CFM56-7B engines.
The fuel used in one of the two CFM engines during the demonstration
flight will be a blend of 50 percent traditional jet fuel, and 50 percent
biofuel from algae and jatropha.
Operating under a specially-issued "Experimental" aircraft type
certificate, the aircraft will be crewed by Continental's own FAA-licensed
test pilots. With no passengers on board, the flight test plan calls for
operating the No. 2 (right) engine on the special biofuel blend, including
power accelerations / decelerations, in-flight engine shut-down and restart
and other flight maneuvers that include both normal and non-normal procedures.
Numerous flight parameters will be recorded, and a post-flight engine analysis
will contribute to findings which are expected to show that the biofuel blend
is readily substitutable for regular fuel without any degradation of
performance or safety, and with a net reduction in carbon emissions.
"This flight represents another step in Continental's commitment to
reducing carbon emissions and identifying sustainable, long-term fuel
solutions for the aviation industry," said Continental Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer Larry Kellner.
Continental, Boeing, UOP and CFM have worked together for more than nine
months on the research, production and testing of the biofuel, including
laboratory and ground-based jet engine performance testing to ensure
compliance with stringent aviation fuel performance and safety requirements.
As part of a broader industry effort, Boeing and other industry leaders,
including airlines and engine manufacturers, are helping to guide the aviation
sector toward sustainable biofuels produced through advanced biomass
conversion technologies and processes that have the potential to reduce
greenhouse gases throughout their lifecycle. Sustainable biofuels for aviation
incorporate second-generation methodologies relative to fuel source selection
and processing, which are uniquely suited for aerospace use. These biofuels
can then be blended with kerosene fuel (Jet-A) to reduce dependency on fossil
fuels.
Continental's participation in this project is part of a company-wide
commitment to environmental responsibility. On average, Continental burns
approximately 18 gallons of fuel to fly one mainline revenue passenger 1,000
miles, which represents a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and
fuel consumption since 1997. This is due in large part to the efforts of its
employees in streamlining operational procedures and to an investment of more
than $12 billion to acquire 270 fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft and related
equipment. Continental remains committed to further improving fuel efficiency
in the decade to come, including investing in its fleet with orders for more
than 50 Boeing 737-900 Next Generation aircraft, and 25 Boeing 787
Dreamliners.
Continental has also reduced, by 75 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions from
ground equipment at the carrier's largest hub, in Houston, through switching
to electric ground service equipment and other new technology. This technology
is now being tested for use in cold climates.
Through these investments and other projects, including the construction
of airport facilities in an environmentally responsible manner, the testing of
alternative fuels in ground service equipment, offering a credible carbon
offsetting program based on the actual fuel burn of the Continental fleet, and
an expansive recycling program, Continental will continue to manage the
environmental impact of its business.
Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental,
together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than
2,500 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 134
domestic and 131 international destinations. More than 675 additional points
are served via alliance partners. With more than 43,000 employees,
Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and
together with Continental Express, carries approximately 69 million passengers
per year.
Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its
operation and its corporate culture. For the fifth consecutive year, FORTUNE
magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2008
list of World's Most Admired Companies. For more company information, go to
continental.com.
SOURCE Continental Airlines
CONTACT: Continental Airlines Corporate Communications,
+1-713-324-5080, corpcomm@coair.com; or Terrance Scott of Boeing Environmental
Communications, +1-206-766-2949, terrance.scott@boeing.com; or Rick Kennedy of
GE Aviation, +1-513-607-0609, or +1-513-243-3372, rick.l.kennedy@ge.com; or
Jamie Jewell of CFM International, +1-513-552-2790, or +1-513-885-2282,
jamie.jewell@ge.com; or Susan Gross of UOP Communications, +1-847-391-2380,
susan.gross@honeywell.com/
/Web site: http://www.continental.com/
(CAL BA HON)
CO: Continental Airlines; Boeing; UOP; CFM International