Alaska Airlines will fly 75 commercial passenger flights in
the United States
powered by biofuel, starting this Wednesday (November 9, 2011). These flights
signal aviation’s next era, where sustainable biofuels can provide a viable
alternative to conventional fuel and enable airlines to reduce their
environmental impact.
Two maiden biofuel-powered flights will leave Seattle on
Nov. 9 for Washington, D.C., and Portland, Ore. Alaska Airlines and its sister
carrier, Horizon Air, will continue to operate select flights between Seattle
and the two cities over the next few weeks using a 20% blend of sustainable
biofuel made from used cooking oil that meets rigorous international safety and
sustainability standards.
"This is a historic week for U.S. aviation. The 75 flights that
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air will fly over the next few weeks reflect our
longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility and our belief that
sustainable biofuels are key to aviation’s future," Alaska Air Group Chairman
and CEO Bill Ayer says. "Commercial airplanes are equipped and ready for
biofuels. They will enable us to fly cleaner, foster job growth in a new
industry, and can insulate airlines from the volatile price swings of
conventional fuel to help make air travel more economical. What we need is an
adequate, affordable and sustainable supply. To the biofuels industry, we say:
If you build it, we will buy it."
Alaska Air Group estimates the 20% certified biofuel blend
it is using for the 75 flights will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated
10%, the equivalent of taking 26 cars off the road for a year. If the company
powered all of its flights with a 20% biofuel blend for one year, the annual
emissions savings would represent the equivalent of taking nearly 64,000 cars
off the road or providing electricity to 28,000 homes.
Alaska Airlines, www.alaskaair.com
