Virgin Atlantic, a UK-based airline, is making history with its aim to complete the first-ever transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The flight, named Flight100, recently took off from London’s Heathrow airport and is expected to land in New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
This groundbreaking flight is non-commercial, meaning there are no paying customers aboard. Instead, it serves as a test to prove the viability of SAF as a replacement for fossil-derived jet fuel. While sustainable aviation fuel is already used in jet engines, current regulations only permit a maximum blend of 50% with traditional jet fuel for commercial flights.
SAF is produced from sustainable feedstocks such as cooking oil, and it has been identified as the most viable solution for decarbonizing flying until other technologies are developed. In fact, a flight powered by 100% SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70%, making it a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality in the aviation industry.
Despite its environmental benefits, SAF remains rare and accounts for less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes. To truly make a difference, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, Shai Weiss, emphasizes the need for more investment, regulatory certainty, and price support from governments to produce SAF at scale. These measures are crucial for overcoming the challenges associated with transitioning to sustainable aviation fuel.
Virgin Atlantic’s Flight100 serves as a compelling demonstration of the potential of SAF in reducing carbon emissions from air travel. By completing this transatlantic journey using 100% sustainable fuel, the airline is encouraging the aviation industry and governments to prioritize investments and policies that support the widespread adoption of SAF.
This milestone flight not only showcases Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to sustainable aviation but also highlights the urgent need for collaboration between airlines, governments, and industry stakeholders to accelerate the transition towards greener aviation practices. With increasing public awareness and demand for sustainable solutions, it is essential for the aviation sector to continue exploring and investing in innovative alternatives like SAF to meet environmental targets and reduce its carbon footprint.
