Virgin Atlantic is set to launch the world’s first transatlantic flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The large passenger aircraft, operated by Virgin Atlantic, is scheduled to take off from Heathrow in London to JFK Airport in New York at 11:52 GMT. This milestone flight is supported by government funding, demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable flying.
Despite the promising prospects, there are challenges due to the scarcity of SAF supply, while meeting emission goals will require additional technologies. The flight, currently attracting no paying passengers, uses sustainable aviation fuel derived from various sources, including crops, domestic waste, and cooking oil.
The Boeing 787 for this flight will be loaded with 50 tons of SAF, sourced from two types, with 88% obtained from waste fats and the remainder from waste produced in American maize production. After testing and analysis, the UK Civil Aviation Authority granted approval earlier this month for the project, which involves contributions from companies such as Rolls-Royce and energy giant BP.
Decarbonizing the aviation industry is particularly challenging, but airlines see SAF as the most effective tool to bring their net emissions to zero. While aircraft using SAF still emit carbon, the industry claims that the “life cycle emissions” of these fuels can be reduced by up to 70%.
Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, Shai Weiss, emphasized the significance of the airline’s flight in proving that sustainable aviation is achievable. He stated that this is a crucial accomplishment for decarbonizing long-haul aviation, and SAF is seen as the most effective tool for achieving zero net emissions.
However, challenges lie ahead, with current SAF availability and higher costs posing obstacles. Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, acknowledged that having enough SAF for everyone will take some time. He stressed the need to start somewhere, emphasizing that without demonstrating its feasibility, sustainable aviation fuel for long-haul flights will remain elusive.
Aviation industry experts believe that using SAF is not a magic bullet. Dr. Guy Gratton, Associate Professor of Aviation and the Environment at Cranfield University, suggested that while increasing SAF use is a step in the right direction, future technologies, such as hydrogen and electric flights for short distances, should also be explored.
Campaign groups like the Aviation Environment Federation’s Policy Director, Cait Hewitt, criticized the notion that the UK is nearing “crime-free” flights with increased SAF use as a “joke.” She argued that future technology could bring better carbon reduction, but currently, the only solution is “flying less.”
The UK government aims to have 10% of aviation fuel as SAF by 2030. Airlines in the UK, represented by Airlines UK, stated that reaching cost-effective SAF quantities is crucial to meeting the demand for sustainable aviation.
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