Azul Brazilian Airlines makes demonstration flight with renewable jet fuel

Azul Brazilian Airlines, in partnership with Amyris, Embraer and GE made a demonstration flight on June 20th, using an innovative, renewable jet fuel produced from Brazilian sugarcane. Heading to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport, the Embraer E195 jet operated by Azul departed from Campinas Viracopos Airport and flew over the city of Rio. Known as the Azul+Verde (a greener blue), this project began in November 2009 with the objective of evaluating a new concept in the development of a renewable jet fuel that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to providing an alternative to fossil fuels, the initiative represents another major step towards a sustainable air transportation industry. A lifecycle analysis and sustainability study developed by a Brazilian think-tank, Institute for International Trade Negotiations, indicates that the Amyris renewable jet fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 82%, when compared to convention fossil-derived jet fuel.