SEATTLE, Nov. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The first commercial airline flights in the U.S. to use biofuel produced by Dynamic Fuels LLC, a joint venture of Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN) and Syntroleum Corporation (Nasdaq:SYNM), will begin this week in Seattle. The flights build on Dynamic Fuels' involvement in the world's first commercial flights using biofuel conducted earlier this year by several European airlines.
Alaska Airlines is initiating two flights Wednesday using a 20 percent blend of renewable jet fuel from Dynamic Fuels' Geismar, Louisiana, plant.
One flight involves a Boeing 737 Alaska Airlines flight to Washington, D.C. while the other is a Bombardier Q400 trip to Portland operated by sister carrier Horizon Air. The flights have been selected to demonstrate the use of biofuel on a transcontinental route as well as a short route.
This week's trips are the first of 75 regularly scheduled flights Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have scheduled in November using the biofuel blend. It is part of an effort to raise awareness of alternative commercial aviation fuel. (To see the Alaska Air news release on this initiative, go to http://splash.alaskasworld.com/Newsroom/ASNews/ASstories/AS_20111107_005216.asp).
The renewable jet fuel used on the flights is made from used cooking oil. Dynamic Fuels representatives say the fuel is chemically identical to traditional jet fuel but offers the benefits of higher energy content; better cold flow properties, enabling it to function effectively in cold weather; and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
"These flights give us another opportunity to demonstrate the performance and environmental advantages of our renewable fuels," said Bob Ames, vice president of Renewable Energy for Tyson Foods and a member of the Dynamic Fuels management team. "The next generation of high performance biofuel technology is here and we're hopeful others will join the efforts of Alaska Airlines and other airlines to generate more public support for biofuel production."
In June 2011, KLM became the first airline in the world to operate a commercial flight on biofuel, using 50/50 blend of conventional jet fuel and renewable jet fuel produced by Dynamic Fuels. The airline subsequently scheduled more than 200 similar commercial flights between Amsterdam and Paris in September 2011. Finnair and Thomson Airways also initiated commercial flights using renewable jet fuel produced by Dynamic Fuels. Finnair's first flight was in July and Thomson's was in October.
Dynamic Fuels' Geismar plant is designed to convert non-food feedstocks such as animal fats, greases, and used cooking oils into renewable fuels. The facility, which has the capacity to produce up to 75 million gallons of fuel per year, currently employs 75 people and generates an annual payroll of more than $6 million.
To see video of operations at Dynamic Fuels, click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsI1dov9Xbw
Photos of the facility can be seen by clicking: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tysonfoods/sets/72157625319377772/.
About Syntroleum
Syntroleum Corporation (Nasdaq:SYNM) owns the Syntroleum® Process for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) conversion of synthesis gas derived from biomass, coal, natural gas and other carbon-based feedstocks into liquid hydrocarbons, the Synfining® Process for upgrading FT liquid hydrocarbons into middle distillate products such as synthetic diesel and jet fuels, and the Bio-Synfining™ technology for converting animal fat and vegetable oil feedstocks into middle distillate products such as renewable diesel and jet fuel using inedible fats and greases as feedstock. The 50/50 venture -- known as Dynamic Fuels -- was formed to construct and operate multiple renewable synthetic fuels facilities, with production on the first site beginning in 2010. The Company plans to use its portfolio of technologies to develop and participate in synthetic and renewable fuel projects. For additional information, visit the Company's web site at www.syntroleum.com
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.