SOME OF THE WORLD'S leading airlines have placed orders for an eco-friendly "alternative" aviation fuel based on vegetable oils commonly used in cosmetics and anti-wrinkle creams.
US majors American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways, along with Lufthansa, Air Canada and Mexicana, are among 14 carriers who have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Washington State-based AltAir Fuels, effectively placing advance orders for the eco-friendly fuel based on camelina oil.
The oil is pressed from the seeds of camelina sativa, commonly known as false flax. AltAir is building a new refinery to produce 75 million gallons of the aviation fuel every year.