Garuda Indonesia currently testing fuel mixed with‘Palm oil in the engines of a Boeing 737-800NGas part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The Indonesian airline said the biofuel, which contains 2.4% palm oil, is being tested in the CFM 56-7B engines of a grounded Boeing 737-800NG. The test was launched last week. Ground engine testing will be followed by flight testing later in August.
“This initiative is our first step to supporting a green and sustainable economy, and makes us a pioneer as the first commercial airline in Indonesia to carry out renewable energy trials.“said Irfan Setiaputra, Managing Director of Garuda Indonesia.
Indonesia, the world’s largest producer of palm oil, wants to develop the use of this vegetable oil in fuels in order to reduce imports of expensive fossil fuels. This year it has expanded the use of biodiesel containing 35% palm oil, the world’s highest mandatory blend, up from 30% last year.
