First 100% SAF powered transatlantic flight takes off
The first transatlantic flight fully powered by sustainable aviation fuel is on its way to New York’s JFK airport.
The Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 is using 50 tonnes of alternative fuels from crops, household waste and cooking oils.
It is a one-off demonstration flight made possible with government funding.
The lifecycle emissions of SAF can be up to 70% lower compared to conventional jet fuel.
“It’s really the only pathway to decarbonising long-haul aviation over and above having the youngest fleet in the sky,” said Virgin Atlantic CEO, Shai Weiss.
“The issue is how we get enough production here in the UK.”
Passengers aboard include Transport Secretary Mark Harper, Weiss and Virgin’s founder, Sir Richard Branson.
“This historic flight shows how we can both decarbonise transport and enable passengers to keep flying when and where they want,” Harper said.
Anna Hughes, director of Flight Free UK, said: “While it sounds promising, we are many years away from seeing so-called ‘sustainable’ fuels in widespread use.”
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