A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 flew from Heathrow to Amsterdam this morning in a demonstration flight with no passengers on board.
The flight used a 20% biofuel mix of coconut and babassu oil in one of its four main fuel tanks.
It is the first time that a commercial aircraft has run biofuel in-flight and is part of a major initiative among some airlines and Boeing to discover sources of sustainable aircraft fuel for the future.
The airline says it will use a 'truly sustainable' type of biofuel that does not compete with food and fresh water resources.
Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic said the breakthrough will 'help Virgin Atlantic to fly its planes using clean fuel sooner than expected.
'The demonstration flight will give us crucial knowledge that we can use to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint.'
The flight was run in conjunction with Boeing and engine maker GE Aviation.
Environmental groups dismissed the incident as a publicity stunt.
