Qatar Airways first airline to use new jet fuel

Qatar Airways has become the first commercial airline in the world to use a new type of aviation jet fuel, Qatar News Agency reported.

The new type of commercial aviation jet fuel, the first to be approved globally in over two decades, was announced by Qatar Petroleum (QP), Qatar Airways and Shell and will now be used as standard at Doha International Airport.

An Airbus A340-600 made history by being the first to fly outbound from Doha International Airport, en route to London Heathrow using GTL (gas-to-liquids) jet fuel.

The new fuel type was developed at the onshore Pearl GTL complex, a joint venture by QP and Shell, and the largest energy project in Qatar. Fully approved for use as an aviation fuel, GTL jet fuel is a blend of up to 50 percent GTL Synthetic Parafinic Kerosene (SPK).

"As the world talks and preaches environmentally friendly skies, we at Qatar Airways are setting the bar high for others to follow. We are shifting the goalposts. We are setting an example by doing our part, by committing ourselves to be at the forefront of innovative research," said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.