Even though prices for fuel have gone down a bit during the past few weeks, the fuel crisis is still alive and well.  After all, we are still looking for alternative fuel sources as well as taking less vacations and trying to conserve on our driving. 

There are huge issues as far as the airlines are concerned, as well.  After all, the gas tanks on airplanes are so much larger than the ones on our cars. 

We are looking at alternatives for fuel everywhere.  Plants are being seriously considered.  Vegetable oils, steam and other substances are being tested, tried, experimented with and looked at closely to try to end dependence on fossil fuels. 

Biodiesel and other eco friendly, sustainable and renewable fuels are being looked at closely as alternatives to the fuels that we have relied on through the end of the 20th century.  As we move further into the 21st century, we are moving forward toward alternatives that will do a better job for all of us in the future.

The airline industry is pursuing alternative fuels that can be created at home rather than being purchased abroad.  Ongoing studies have yielded ideas for these alternatives, but most of them are still being developed.  Unfortunately, it is essential to find alternatives that will work now. 

Jet engines run on kerosene but can be retrofitted to run on other fuels, such as hydrogen.  There is a logistical problem with this, however, in that in order for jets to run on hydrogen, they would have to be fitted with massive tanks for the fuel.  In today’s economy, that might be an overwhelming financial issue.

There are synthetic fuels available, notably from South Africa, using coal as a base.  Because these synthetic fuels are blends and work like actual jet fuel, planes will not have to be redesigned to use this fuel source.  Numerous American companies are now creating these fuels and will be able to provide millions of gallons in the near future.  Another biofuel made from tree oil will be tested this spring b several of the major air carriers.  In addition, algae-based fuel is being developed.

It may take some time for these developments to be available on a wide scale, however there are alternatives for the airlines.  Maybe vacations are not a thing of the past after all.