1-8-2023 (JAKARTA) Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia announced on Tuesday that it has commenced testing jet fuel blended with palm oil in the engines of one of its Boeing aircraft, as part of its efforts to reduce emissions in the aviation sector.
Indonesia, being the world’s largest producer of palm oil, is eager to promote the use of this vegetable oil in fuels to decrease imports of costly fossil fuels. Recently, the country introduced biodiesel containing 35 per cent palm oil, the highest mandatory mix globally, surpassing last year’s 30 per cent blend.
In a statement, Garuda revealed that the jet fuel being tested contains 2.4 per cent palm oil and is currently being assessed on the CFM56-7B engines of a B737-800 NG aircraft. The test was initiated last week with the aim of supporting a green and sustainable economy, making Garuda the pioneering commercial airline in Indonesia to trial renewable energy, said Garuda’s Chief Executive, Irfan Setiaputra.
Following the engine test, ground and flight tests are scheduled to take place later in August, as stated by the energy ministry.
In a previous instance in 2021, the country conducted a flight test with the same fuel on an aircraft manufactured by state-owned Dirgantara Indonesia. The test flight covered the route from Bandung in West Java to the capital, Jakarta.
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