- Virgin’s historic London to New York flight uses sustainable aviation fuel.
- SAF slashes emissions by up to 70% compared to standard jet fuel.
Virgin Atlantic prepares for a historic journey from London to New York, solely fueled by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This flight, known as ‘Flight100’, aims to showcase eco-friendly options for the aviation industry’s future. The Boeing 787, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, will mark the first commercial long-haul flight relying entirely on 100% SAF.
No paying passengers or cargo will be aboard this flight, strategically scheduled just before the COP28 climate talks in Dubai. SAF, supplemented by a small portion of synthetic aromatic kerosene from waste corn, promises an emissions reduction of up to 70% compared to regular jet fuel. Despite aviation’s 2 to 3% global carbon emissions, SAF currently makes up less than 0.1% of total jet fuel, primarily due to its high cost and limited availability.
Virgin and other European airlines aim for 10% SAF usage by 2030, striving towards the industry’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050, dependent on increasing SAF usage to 65%. However, challenges persist due to SAF’s scarcity and cost, making the 2030 target ambitious. Critics, like the environmental group Stay Grounded, label the flight as a “greenwashing distraction,” emphasising the need for substantial action to reduce aviation emissions. Virgin Atlantic hopes this flight will urge governments to support the broader adoption of SAF financially. After the flight, the aircraft’s engines will be tested with conventional fuel before returning to service.