High Bypass Ratio Pond Scum

The Independent Financial Review (via Stuff) revealed today that Air New Zealand and Boeing have a secret working agreement with Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation to test a new type of biofuel for jet airliners.

The fuel is produced from the photosynthesis derived scum that grows on the surface of nutrient rich sewage ponds. Algae has previously been a source for biodiesel but this appears to be the first viable biofuel replacement for jetfuel which is ordinarily based on paraffin or naptha-kerosense. If it works, it will be an important step towards long term sustainability for the aviation industry.