Virgin search for green plane fuel

Updated 07.26 Tue Apr 24 2007
Keywords: Virgin Atlantic, environment, business, money, britain, travel, Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson believes his Virgin Atlantic jumbo jets could be using fuel made from Soya, vegetables or newspaper within two years.

The tycoon has teamed up with aeroplane manufacturer Boeing and engine-maker GE in a effort to develop a green fuel for commercial aircraft.

'Green' fuel could be tested on a passenger-free jumbo jet flight by the end of next year

The group hopes to test the fuel on a passenger-free jumbo jet flight by the end of next year.

If that proves successful, the fuel could be used on commercial flights by 2009.

In September 2006, the Virgin group pledged to spend £1.5 billion on researching clean fuel over the next ten years.

Sir Richard has also said he wants to make Virgin Atlantic carbon neutral in the near future.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.