Air France-KLM Makes First Biofuel Flight Carrying Passengers

AMSTERDAM (AP) -- An airliner using a 50 percent biofuel mix in one engine has successfully completed a demonstration flight in the Netherlands.

Air France-KLM says it was the first flight using biofuel to carry passengers. Forty people flew on the 90-minute trip Monday, including the Dutch economic affairs minister.

The plane, a Boeing 747, had a 50-50 mix of biofuel derived from the camelina plant and regular jet fuel in one of its four engines.

Virgin, Air New Zealand, Air Japan and Continental Airlines have previously completed similar demonstration flights with a biofuel mix of jatropha or algae.

KLM spokeswoman Monique Matze said the airline plans eventually plans commercial flights using a biofuel mix, but it is too early to set a target date.