NRC flies first 100 per cent biofueled-powered civil jet

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has achieved a major milestone for the aviation industry, after flying the first civil jet powered by 100 per cent unblended biofuel.

“Today, I flew the world’s first 100 percent biofuel flight,” said Tim Leslie, one of NRC’s pilots. “We have been working hard with our partners for many months, and it is most rewarding to see it all come together. It is truly inspiring to take this step towards an eco-friendly future!”

“I congratulate the aerospace team at the National Research Council of Canada for achieving today’s milestone in aviation history,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). “This is a perfect example of how government and industry work together to bridge the gap between Canadian innovation and commercialization. The NRC, through our government’s investments, helps support the Canadian economy by enabling its partners to develop and bring effective sustainable energy solutions to market.”

A Dassault Falcon 20 business jet flew with the biofuel and was followed by a chase plane which gathered emissions data from the flight

Research experts at the National Research Council will analyse this information to better understand the environmental impact of biofuel.

The biofuel used for this flight was transformed by Applied Research Associates and Chevron Lummus Global, using oilseed crops commercialized by Agrisoma Bioscience Inc.