In a significant development in the aviation industry, Garuda Indonesia, the flag carrier of Indonesia, has successfully completed a flight test using palm oil-blended jet fuel.
The Flight Test
The flight test was conducted on a Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. The plane flew more than 130 km from the capital Jakarta to Pelabuhan Ratu in the southern part of Java island last week. The jet fuel used for this flight contained 2.4% palm content.
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A Step Towards Sustainability
This initiative is part of Garuda Indonesia's efforts to reduce emissions in the aviation sector. "With these results, Garuda Indonesia is ready to explore the use of sustainable aviation fuel on commercial flights," said Garuda chief executive Irfan Setiaputra. He added that a wider use of the fuel would be based on a comprehensive study.
Prior Testing
Before the flight test, Garuda had conducted a static test and engine ground test since July. This thorough testing process ensured the safety and feasibility of using palm oil-blended jet fuel.
Conclusion
This successful flight test marks a significant milestone in the use of sustainable fuels in aviation. As the world's biggest palm oil producer, Indonesia has been pushing for wider use of edible oils and a reduction in crude oil imports. This initiative by Garuda Indonesia aligns with these national goals and sets a precedent for other airlines to follow. It will be interesting to see how this development shapes the future of sustainable aviation.
