China's self-developed biofuel test flight successful

BEIJING -- Sinopec, China's top oil refiner, announced the success of the first test flight powered by the company's newly developed aviation biofuel product on Wednesday.

An Airbus A320 owned by China Eastern Airlines landed at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 7:08 a.m. Wednesday after completing an 85-minute journey using Sinopec's aviation biofuel, the company said.

The biofuel made of palm oil and recycled cooking oil was produced by Sinopec Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Company.

The biofuel produced enough power during the test flight and "was no different from traditional fuels," according to Sinopec, citing statements from the pilot.

China is now the fourth country in the world to have developed aviation biofuel, following the United States, France and Finland, the company said.

Sinopec spokesman Lyu Dapeng said the company will speed up the commercial application of the biofuel with the support of related parties.