United Airlines Flies Jet with 100% Plant-Based Fuel

United Airlines recently flew a small flight from Chicago O'Hare to D.C. Reagan National airport that was powered completely by 100% plant-based jet fuel derived from agricultural waste.

Currently, legislation only allows for aircraft to be powered by 50% renewable fuels, but United was given permission to fill up completely after a successful test flight.

Virent, the company behind the biofuel, says the major advantage with their fuel is that it is chemically similar to petroleum-based jet fuels, so current infrastructure can remain in place.

Virent's fuel cuts down greenhouse gas emissions burned in flight by nearly 50%. 

United has a goal to reach carbon-neutrality by 2050, and hopes that VIrent will help them reach it. Virent, in turn, hopes that partnering with United Airlines will help them reach commercialization in the coming months.