U.S. jet flies on biofuel

HOUSTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A U.S.-based Continental Airlines Boeing 737-800 was the first to fly using biofuel.

The plane took off from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and was the first U.S. commercial jet to fly on a mix of conventional jet fuel and biofuel, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The plane flew out over the Gulf of Mexico toward southwestern Louisiana and touched back down at Intercontinental.

The test proved that the mix of jet fuel and biofuel burned more efficiently than the traditional jet fuel. The plane burned 3,600 pounds of a 50-50 jet fuel-biofuel mix in one engine and 3,700 pounds of traditional fuel.

"This demonstration flight represents another step in Continental's ongoing commitment to fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility," said Chief Executive Officer Larry Kellner. "The technical knowledge we gain today will contribute to a wider understanding of the future for transportation fuels."