United Airlines has announced the completion of its first flight using natural gas synthetic jet fuel in a 40/60 mix with conventional Jet A fuel in one of two engines aboard an Airbus 319.

"This flight confirms our assumptions about how this fuel performs on a commercial aircraft and is the next step in our effort to stimulate competition in the aviation fuel supply chain, promote energy security, environmental benefits, and the creation of green jobs," said airline vice president Joseph Kolshak.

"United continues to support the use of alternative fuels, and we urge the US government and the investment community to further support critical energy opportunities," he said.

The aircraft departed Denver and climbed to 39,000 feet where a team collected data on the performance of the fuel during several manoeuvres, including taxi, takeoff, climb, cruise, auxiliary power unit start, descent and approach.

The fuel, derived from natural gas and converted to liquid fuel, is approved by ASTM International, the international technical standards organisation, and is safe for use on passenger flights. It is a drop-in fuel, which means that it can be used in existing engines with no modifications required.  

Source: schednet