SpiceJet tests India's first biofuel-powered flight. Will it change flying?

No-frills airline SpiceJet on Monday operated India's first test flight powered by biojet fuel, marking a new chapter in the fast-growing domestic aviation sector.

The nearly 45-minute flight from Dehradun to the national capital was operated with a Bombardier Q400 aircraft, partially powered by biojet fuel made from Jatropha plant, according to an airline official. The flight landed at around 1150 hours here.

With the test flight, India has become one of the few countries and probably the first among the developing nations to use biofuel for flying planes.

SpiceJet on Monday said it has successfully operated "India's first ever biojet fuel flight".

It also comes at a time when the airline industry is grappling with spiralling fuel prices that are impacting their profitability. However, use of biofuel for regular flights would take some time.

For the test flight, which carried 28 people, including five crew members, the aircraft's right engine was filled with 75 per cent aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and 25 per cent of biojet fuel, made from Jatropha plant, the airline official said.

Private airlines need to deal with issues on their own: Suresh Prabhu

Amid Jet Airways facing turbulent times, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu has made it clear that private airlines have to deal with issues facing them on their own and the government's role can only be at the policy level.

The minister's comments come at a time when the airline industry is grappling with tough times as high oil prices and stiff competition are crimping the profitability of carriers.

When asked about the current situation at Jet Airways, Prabhu said, "We are not aware about their position."

The full service carrier, which has been flying for over 25 years, is facing financial woes. Earlier this month, it also deferred the announcement of June quarter results. The airline's share price has taken a beating in recent weeks.

"We are not aware about their (Jet Airways) position. As far as private airlines are concerned, they will have to deal with whatever issues they are dealing with. At the Ministry of (Civil) Aviation we can only deal at the policy level, Prabhu told PTI in an interview.