United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Virgin Atlantic passes key milestone for 100% SAF transatlantic flight
Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce completed a successful sustainable aviation fuel ground test on the Trent 1000 engine.
The test marks a key milestone which will see the first 100% SAF transatlantic flight.
Virgin will operate it to New York JFK on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on 28 November 2023.
Fuel suppliers Air bp and Virent will supply the 60 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel.
The SAF will be produced through the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids as well as synthetic aromatic kerosene.
It is part of Virgin’s mission for Net Zero 2050.
SAF typically delivers CO2 lifecycle emissions savings of more than 70% whilst performing like the traditional jet fuel.
Currently, SAF represents less than 0.1% of jet fuel volumes.
The trial project, joint funded by the Department for Transport, includes Boeing, University of Sheffield, Imperial College London and Rocky Mountain Institute.
The successful bench engine test is a key milestone, however further safety approvals are required for the flight.
Virgin Atlantic and the consortium will leverage the 100% SAF transatlantic flight to further SAF use.
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, said: “This 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel transatlantic flight will be a historic moment in aviation’s roadmap to decarbonisation.”
“We need UK government support to create a UK SAF industry for every single flight out of the UK to operate with 100% SAF – if we make it, we can fly it.”
Learn more about : Virgin Atlantic ( United Kingdom )
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel