The technology could help break the airline industry's tie to high-cost fossil fuels, leading to more profitable operations and lower fares. It also could help temper global warming by reducing greenhouse gases emitted by aircraft.

The green fuel will be tested in Phoenix in an auxiliary power unit made by Honeywell. The small turbine engines provide electricity to the aircraft when the main engines are off. Honeywell Aerospace has been working on developing engines that burn alternative fuels.