By using biofuels made from renewable, organic raw material, the carbon dioxide emissions from air traffic could be reduced by 80 per cent. In addition, biofuels may provide new opportunities for developing countries. In the near future, biofuels will revolutionise the aviation industry.

We want to be among the first airlines to start using biofuels for commercial flights when this becomes possible. Flight safety is our number one priority, which is why biofuels have to be certified before we put them into use.

At the moment it seems that the international biofuel certificate will be realised in the first half of 2011, and according to estimates in the industry, commercial flights with biofuels could start within three to five years.

Biofuels help developing countries

Many developing countries are currently dependent on energy brought from other countries. But the conditions in developing countries are often suitable for the production of raw material plants, such as jatropha.

Plants required for biofuels can be grown in poor soil with very little fertiliser. Plants that tolerate salt, for example algae, can be grown in saline water. This means that land suitable for food production does not get taken over by biofuel production and therefore the process is ecologically sustainable.

Directing biofuel production to developing countries would help them become more independent from external energy producers. In addition, their opportunities for developing their own production and exports would improve.

Further information:

• Read more about biofuels

For many decades, Finnair has committed itself to sustainable development. Now is the time to take another major step towards sustainable air travel. Finnair flew its first biofuel flight from Amsterdam and Helsinki in July 2011. This is the longest commercial biofuel flight flown anywhere in the world to date.

"We want to be a pioneer in sustainable development in air transport. Engine emissions account for the biggest environmental impact of flying, so investing in research into alternative fuels is a natural way to try to reduce the load on the environment," says Kati Ihamäki, VP Sustainable Development at Finnair.

Biofuel refers to fuel made from renewable organic raw materials. The plants used in the production of biofuel absorb carbon dioxide, which is released back into the atmosphere when the biofuel combusts.

For permanent use, Finnair will only accept a biofuel alternative that is socially, ecologically and economically sustainable. For example, the cultivation of the biomass used in the production of biofuel must significantly reduce GHG emissions, must not compromise food production or lead to degradation of biodiversity or deforestation.

For its first few biofuel flights, Finnair will use biofuel made from recycled vegetable oil (i.e. used cooking oil) supplied by SkyNRG in a mixture that is 50% biofuel and 50% ordinary aviation fuel. Finnair and SkyNRG have agreed to jointly work on a structural supply chain, as both parties firmly believe that the adoption of "green routes" by airlines will help accelerate the development of sustainable and affordable jet fuels, which have the potential to reduce aviation emissions by up to 80% in the long-term. At this stage Finnair aims to fly at least two more Amsterdam-Helsinki flights using a 50% biofuel blend in both engines. Refuelling is done at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

In celebration of our 85th anniversary in 2008, we conducted a thought experiment: what will aeroplanes be like in 85 years? We invited a few experts from different fields to present their best guesses on the aircraft of the future.

“Sustainable development is a must”, reminds Rainer Von-Wrede from Airbus.

In the ideal world aircraft will be silent, 100 per cent recyclable and emission-free. At the moment the most important aspects of aircraft development are recyclable materials and eco-friendly fuel. In producing these, we could learn a lot from the nature, where energy and materials are not wasted and everything is optimised. We could create more durable and yet light materials by using nanotechnology in producing materials, a professor at the University of Helsinki, Atte Korhola, believes.

From the design point of view, wings will no longer be protruding appendages; instead they will form the fuselage of the aircraft. That’s because an optimally bent wing frame maximises lift, reduces friction and significantly reduces the need for fuel. It would also be reasonable to utilise the weather conditions and airstreams – perhaps we will no longer fly according to the clock and timetables, but when it is favourable and sensible to do so. Advanced satellite technology could also enable planes to fly as effectively as possible, using the most fuel-efficient routes.

One possible alternative to kerosene as the energy source for flying could be bio-derived fuels. No land or fresh water would be needed in producing them: for example algae can be grown in simple seawater tanks. Also other sustainable energy sources, such as solar power, wind power and biogas will have their role in substituting carbon-based energy sources.

In 2093 there will be different kinds of planes to fulfil different kinds of needs. In our vision, the Finnair A600-850 M supersonic aircraft can fit in over 600 passengers and it is designed for long-haul routes. A Finnair A1700-2400 Cruiser on the other hand offers a comfortable flying experience to 2,000 passengers, who like to enjoy themselves and the ship’s various services without much haste to get to their destination. In addition to these, there will be small aircraft designed for personal use that can substitute cars on shorter journeys. Perhaps there will even be space hotels, and service ships to carry passengers to them.

Even though predicting the future is difficult, we do have an influence on it – unlike on the past. In 2008 we celebrated our 85th anniversary and turned our gazes toward the future, imagining what air travel will be like in 85 years time.

“In 85 years time people can teleport themselves from one place to another just by pressing a button. If teleporting is not functioning people can use aero-rucksacks and aero-shoes”, 8-year-old Max Ilander dreams.

Generally speaking, people tend to stay the same while the world around them changes; it seems safe to say that the urge to travel and see the world will not disappear any time soon. Even if travelling will be considered less exotic in the future, it is still a means for people to meet others and have meaningful relationships outside of their immediate environment. Additionally, we’re fairly sure that people will still want to enjoy adventures and relaxing holidays in warmer climates.

In our vision flying is a popular, personal, safe and environmentally-friendly mode of transport. It enjoys growing popularity as aircraft continue their technical development. Travelling on business and for pleasure will both increase as commuting distances grow longer and holiday destinations are further and further away – perhaps even in space.

Flexibility will be one of the most attractive aspects of flying in the future: developing small aircraft suitable for shorter journeys and personal use could be possible. For longer trips there’ll be a variety of aircraft designed for public transportation, fulfilling people’s different needs.

The ability to adapt to the constant change and to develop environmentally friendly aircraft will be key factors in defining which airlines will be the most successful. At the moment, the development of new aircraft and alternative fuels is motivated by the need to minimise the environmental impact of flying. Flying is, in principle, an ecological way of travelling because it happens in the air instead of requiring highways and road networks, which in their turn weaken natural diversity and spoil valuable landscapes. Nevertheless, we always aim to keep the impact of air travel on the climate to a minimum.