Biofuel-powered airplane flights have been getting lots of press [2] recently, but powering planes with algae, jatropha, and camelina isn't the only way to save on traditional jet fuel. Air India, the country's national airline, has saved $9.26 million over six months with simple energy-saving techniques.

The airline has cut contingency fuel from 5% to 3% and decreased aircraft weight by reducing the amount of water, the weight of food carts, and the magazines on board. (Ed. note: What heavy magazines were they carrying, back issues of Vogue?) Air India also now flies in a straight line at optimal altitudes and speed, practices a "continuous descent" approach during landing, uses a single engine during taxiing, and derives pre-flight power from sources on the ground. 

As a result of these measures, the airline expects to reduce its annual fuel use by 12 billion gallons, cut carbon emissions by 160,000 tons, and save $16 million. 

[Via Cleantech Group [3]]