BRASILIA, June 6 — Brazil's Gol airlines will use a 4-per cent biofuel mixture to power 200 flights this month and next as the Latin American nation hosts the 2014 football World Cup.

The biokerosene flights show “that it is possible to reduce emissions voluntarily though technological innovation,” Brazilian Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira said during Gol's presentation of the initiative.

Biokerosene can cut emissions of CO2 by up to 80 per cent, according to Gol, South America's leading low-cost carrier.

Carbon emissions are seen as the main driver of man-made climate change. 

“The issue of climate is particularly important,” Teixeira said, touting Brazil's efforts to reduce emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

The possibility of using biofuels in aviation has been a focus of research for some time.

Gol used biofuel last October for a flight from Sao Paulo to Brasilia, a first for Brazil's aviation industry. The Brazilian unit of US-based Amyris developed the fuel.

The World Cup tournament begins June 12 and concludes July 13. — Bernama