Virgin Atlantic has been granted permission by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to conduct a transatlantic flight from London to New York on November 28 using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as reported by Reuters on November 6. SAF, made from waste materials like cooking oils, can reduce emissions by up to 70% compared to fossil fuels. The airline aims to showcase SAF’s potential for decarbonizing flying.

Currently, SAF is used in blends with traditional kerosene, accounting for only 0.5% of aviation fuel in 2021. Airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, are working towards using SAF to achieve their target of 10% by 2030, with the industry aiming for “net zero” emissions by 2050, relying on SAF to constitute 65% of fuel. However, challenges remain, including the need for government support to create a sustainable SAF industry and make it more readily available.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/virgin-atlantic-fly-transatlantic-with-100-sustainable-fuel-2023-11-06/