SEATTLE (AP) - Boeing, airlines and engine makers are testing jet fuel made from algae and a nonfood plant called jatropha.

Continental Airlines says it will test the biofuel on a demonstration flight, with no passengers, Jan. 7 in Houston.

One of the engines of the Boeing 737-800 will be powered with a mix of jet fuel and fuel derived from algae and jatropha seeds. Boeing is a partner in the project that Continental says will be the first using algae as a fuel.

Air New Zealand also is testing jatropha fuel in a 747 jetliner using technology developed by UOP, a Honeywell company.

The Tacoma News Tribune reports Boeing was instrumental in forming the Algal Biomass Organization in Seattle to look for sustainable fuels that don't use farm land.