In an unprecedented move that signals a significant shift toward eco-friendly aviation, Virgin Atlantic is set to make history with its upcoming transatlantic flight. On November 28, the airline will operate a service from London to New York using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), following approval from Britain's aviation authority.
This groundbreaking journey comes as the airline industry intensifies its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. SAF, which is derived from waste resources like used cooking oils, has been lauded for its potential to cut emissions by up to 70% in comparison to traditional jet fuel.
Until now, SAF has been utilized only in combination with kerosene, but this will be the first instance of an airline using it exclusively to power a commercial flight. The UK Civil Aviation Authority's go-ahead came after comprehensive technical assessments, including successful tests on the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine that will propel Virgin's Boeing 787 on its milestone flight.
However, the journey towards a greener sky does not end here. Virgin Atlantic must secure the green light from regulatory bodies in the United States, Ireland, and Canada to complete their planned route.
Despite SAF's promise, its adoption has been slow, making up a mere 0.5% of aviation fuel used in 2021. Airlines aim to boost this to 10% by 2030, with the broader industry target of achieving "net zero" emissions by 2050 relying on SAF for 65% of fuel needs.
The challenge of scaling up SAF production remains, as current manufacturing levels are low, and costs are significantly higher than conventional jet fuel. Virgin Atlantic's CEO Shai Weiss underscored the importance of this flight as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the need for government backing to establish a robust SAF industry in the UK.
"We're committed to using 10% SAF by 2030," Weiss stated, "but to get there we need the government to support the creation of a UK SAF industry."
As Virgin Atlantic prepares for this historic flight, it stands as a testament to the airline's commitment to pioneering a more sustainable future for air travel.
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theatre actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
Green Technology ,
Virgin Atlantic’s Pioneering 100% SAF Flight
by : Samira Tasneem | Published: November 7, 2023
Virgin Atlantic sets a record with a 100% SAF flight from London to NY, highlighting eco-friendly travel.
In an unprecedented move that signals a significant shift toward eco-friendly aviation, Virgin Atlantic is set to make history with its upcoming transatlantic flight. On November 28, the airline will operate a service from London to New York using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), following approval from Britain's aviation authority.
This groundbreaking journey comes as the airline industry intensifies its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. SAF, which is derived from waste resources like used cooking oils, has been lauded for its potential to cut emissions by up to 70% in comparison to traditional jet fuel.
However, the journey towards a greener sky does not end here. Virgin Atlantic must secure the green light from regulatory bodies in the United States, Ireland, and Canada to complete their planned route.
Despite SAF's promise, its adoption has been slow, making up a mere 0.5% of aviation fuel used in 2021. Airlines aim to boost this to 10% by 2030, with the broader industry target of achieving "net zero" emissions by 2050 relying on SAF for 65% of fuel needs.
The challenge of scaling up SAF production remains, as current manufacturing levels are low, and costs are significantly higher than conventional jet fuel. Virgin Atlantic's CEO Shai Weiss underscored the importance of this flight as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the need for government backing to establish a robust SAF industry in the UK.
"We're committed to using 10% SAF by 2030," Weiss stated, "but to get there we need the government to support the creation of a UK SAF industry."
As Virgin Atlantic prepares for this historic flight, it stands as a testament to the airline's commitment to pioneering a more sustainable future for air travel.
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Samira Tasneem
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theatre actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
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