The flight yesterday (October 6) by Thomson Airways was hailed by the industry and government as a huge leap forward for sustainable aviation.

But a string of environmental groups, including Plane Stupid who were behind the stunt, have attacked the scheme’s green credentials.

Three activists from the group mingled with passengers before the launch at Birmingham airport, before stripping off their clothes to reveal slogans criticising the trial.

All three protesters, one man and two women, from the pro-direct action group were arrested at the scene.

One of the protesters, Jo Turner, pictured in the middle of the top photo, said: “Biofuels are a devil in disguise- a massively inefficient way of making fuel that destroys the very ecosystems we need to control runaway climate change.”

PIC: A protester is arrested by police

Thomson Airways managing director, Chris Browne, said: “We firmly believe the adoption of sustainable biofuels by airlines will help achieve the government’s carbon budget which commits the UK to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2025.

“Most strikingly, sustainable biofuel has the potential to reduce aviation emissions by up to 80% in the long term.”

Luke Walsh

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