Plans for airline fuel cells drafted

A number of airlines are working to reduce emissions and fuel consumption in the face of soaring fuel prices and public demand for more eco-friendly travel.

Recently a few major airlines added new 'winglet' technology to their planes that significantly reduces the amount of fuel needed for take-off. This is when the majority of fuel is consumed on a flight.

Now it appears the aviation industry could be going even further with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (I.C.A.O.) drafting of plans for fuel cells to be used on passenger flights.

Fuel cells are effectively devices that convert chemical energy from natural gas into electricity. They are much cleaner than petroleum and have been widely championed by environmental groups.

The I.C.A.O. is still working on the plan to make sure it is compliant with safety regulations. Fuel cells are a relatively new technology and are therefore monitored closely.

Should the plans be approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission Specification for Micro Fuel Cell Safety, the fuel cells could be implemented on flights by 2007.

© Adfero Ltd