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Thomson flight to Mallorca to run on cooking oil
Thomson Airways is set to become the first airline in Britain to use biofuel in a historic flight to Palma de Mallorca later this month. Pending final safety clearance, the flight will depart from Birmingham airport on 28th July, carrying 232 passengers to their chosen summer holiday destination.
The Boeing 757 will operate on a 50/ 50 blend of regular A1 jet fuel and hyrdroprocessed esters and fatty acids - made from used cooking oil. Supplied by a company based in Holland, the recycled oil was collected from kitchens in hotels and restaurants and then underwent a special processing treatment. Thomson plan to operate weekly biofuel flights between Birmingham and Palma from September.
Biofuel has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent, although it is currently more expensive than standard jet fuel. Thomson is lobbying the government and the EU to change legislation and offer incentives for the use of sustainable bio-fuels so other airlines can follow their lead.
