Aficionados have debated what makes the best fries since the battle of Waterloo. Some say the older the oil, the better the crunch. Double frying has been touted as a sure-fire frites flavour enhancer. But reusing the oil to fuel a flight is a twist French chefs did not see coming. (or going)
On Tuesday, an Air France A350 flew from Paris to Montreal powered by a mix of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in its tanks, produced in France from used cooking oil. SAF has the potential to cut carbon emissions but at a much higher cost than traditional fuel.
Should we be storing our used avocado oil for the sake of the planet?
Ex-Air Canada cadre, Ben Smith, now AF/KL Chief Executive, said airlines have a “major responsibility to cut emissions”. And soon European carriers won’t have a choice in the fatter...er, matter.
Starting next year, flights departing from France will be required to use 1% SAF produced in Europe. Traditional network airlines have sought to exempt long-haul flights, arguing that a Europe-only SAF requirement could expose them to unfair foreign competition.
"We have to be on a level playing field," Smith told Reuters. "We can't have a situation where airlines that are based outside Europe can undercut us, (and) that is a real concern." One can think of a few countries where cooking oil is used by the vat.
The green fuel used for the Paris-Montreal flight was produced by Total at its Oudalle plant near Le Havre as well as La Mede, a refinery in southern France.
Bon Appetit/ Voyage!
