- Garuda Indonesia conducted a successful flight using jet fuel blended with 2.4% palm content.
- The airline has been conducting tests since July, with this recent flight spanning over 130 km.
- Indonesia, the leading palm oil producer globally, is actively promoting the use of edible oils to reduce crude oil imports.
Successful Flight Test with Palm Oil-Blended Jet Fuel
JAKARTA — Indonesia's flagship carrier, Garuda Indonesia, recently confirmed the successful completion of a test flight using a Boeing 737-800NG aircraft powered by jet fuel blended with palm oil. The aircraft undertook a journey of more than 130 km, flying from Jakarta to Pelabuhan Ratu situated in the southern region of Java island. The innovative blend used for that flight consisted of 2.4% palm content, as elaborated by Garuda's Chief Executive, Irfan Setiaputra.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel: A Step Closer
Elated by the success, Irfan Setiaputra expressed the airline's readiness to further examine the feasibility of using sustainable aviation fuel for commercial flights. However, he emphasized that a broader adoption would be contingent upon an in-depth, comprehensive analysis. This recent flight follows Garuda's extensive preliminary tests, which included static tests and engine ground tests, initiated in July.
Indonesia's Move Towards Sustainable Fuel Alternatives
As the premier producer of palm oil globally, Indonesia is intensively advocating for an expanded use of edible oils in aviation. The initiative aligns with the country's strategy to diminish its reliance on crude oil imports. In a parallel development last year, the nation executed a test flight using a similar fuel blend. The flight, undertaken by an aircraft manufactured by the state-owned enterprise, Dirgantara Indonesia, covered the route between the West Java city of Bandung and Jakarta.
