The World in 2030

The World in 2030 131
In addition to the demand management and fuel
efficiency improvements therefore, a third of aviation
fuel must come from low-carbon, technologically
compatible sources such as bio-diesel and biokerosene
to ensure that the industry meets its carbon
obligations. 261
British transport mogul (and self-interested airline boss) Sir
Richard Branson also thinks there is a future for cleaner
biofuels in jet aviation. Writing about Virgin Atlantic, the
airline Sir Richard heads, The Independent newspaper
reported in April 2007:
Virgin Atlantic will also announce today that it is
to become the first carrier in the world to use green
aviation fuel. Virgin Atlantic is planning to launch
trials next year with Boeing and the US engine
manufacturer General Electric, flying a 747 aircraft
using a mixture of bio-fuel and conventional aviation
fuel. 262
Virgin Atlantic is also upgrading its fleet of aircraft to include
15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 263 which are claimed to burn 27
per cent less fuel than other comparably sized twin-engine
jets. Boeing claims that the 787 uses less fuel, largely because
it is made with composite plastics and metals and weighs
less than standard aluminium-frame airplanes, another
role in which plastics is making a positive contribution
towards reducing carbon emissions. (And as well as playing
an important role in the construction of new, more fuel
efficient aircraft, plastics also has a role to play in making
existing fleets more efficient. Retrofitting plastic ‘winglets’ –