Qatar Airways announced the successful completion of the world’s first commercial passenger test flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas. The aircraft, an Airbus A340-600 using Rolls-Royce Trent 556 engines, was powered by a mixture of GTL kerosene and standard jet fuel, and covered the six-hour journey from London to Doha.
The jet fuel made by Shell is a half-and-half combination of conventional jet fuel and synthetic kerosene made by converting natural gas into liquid form. The jet fuel project opens a potential new market for Qatar’s gas. Once commercial production begins in 2012, Qatar will see new heights by becoming the top producer of liquid kerosene made from natural gas. The fuel is expected to improve local air quality at airports by bringing down the amount of harmful carbon emitted.
Via: WAToday
