DOHA, Qatar, March 3 (UPI) -- National carrier Qatar Airways announced plans to develop a biofuel for commercial jet operations in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint.
Qatar Airways announced plans with Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Science and Technology to develop a sustainable biofuel product for its commercial fleet, The Hindu reports.
The carrier in October had a successful test flight of a jet using a synthetic gas-to-liquid fuel blend.
Qatar Airways operates daily flights from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam to Doha with connections to more than 80 airports. The airline also has two freighter services every week between Nairobi and Doha.
The airline could become the first commercial airline in the world to operate flights using gas-to-liquids kerosene fuel. The technology is seen as more environmentally friendly.
Commercial air travel accounts for 3 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The International Air Transport Association also announced plans to cut emissions by 50 percent of 2005 levels within 40 years.
