Virgin Atlantic has made history with its flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK, using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This milestone is the result of a year of intense collaboration to showcase SAF as a viable alternative to traditional jet fuel.
SAF plays a crucial role in decarbonizing long-haul aviation and achieving Net Zero 2050 goals. Made from waste products, SAF offers up to 70% CO2 lifecycle emissions savings while performing comparably to conventional jet fuel.
Flight100, as it’s known, is a testament to the potential of SAF. It aims to address challenges in scaling up production through policy support and investment. The flight will also evaluate SAF’s impact on non-carbon emissions, contributing to scientific understanding and flight planning improvements.
The SAF used in Flight100 is a dual blend, consisting of 88% HEFA and 12% SAK. This unique combination, supplied by AirBP and Virent respectively, ensures engine functionality while maximizing sustainability.
Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond Flight100. With one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets, the airline aims to lead in SAF development and usage. Collaboration between industry and government is essential to meet SAF targets and reap economic benefits.
The airline’s CEO, Shai Weiss, emphasizes the need for regulatory support and investment to scale up SAF production. Founder Sir Richard Branson highlights Virgin Atlantic’s pioneering spirit in pushing aviation boundaries.
UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper praises today’s flight as a step towards decarbonization while enabling passenger mobility. Dame Karen Pierce, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the US, underscores UK-US collaboration in sustainable aviation.
Rick Cotton of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey commends Virgin Atlantic’s sustainability efforts, echoing the commitment to net-zero emissions. Boeing’s Sheila Remes and Rolls-Royce’s Simon Burr express pride in their contributions to SAF-powered flight.
Flight100 signifies a significant leap forward in sustainable aviation, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation.