A Virgin Atlantic passenger jet powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) successfully completed a London-to-New York jaunt on November 28 to showcase the potential of low-carbon options that make up a tiny fraction of the industry's fuel mix.
The flight operated by a Virgin Boeing 787 powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines will be the first time a commercial airline has flown long-haul on 100% SAF. It follows the successful transatlantic crossing by a Gulfstream G600 business jet using the same fuel last week.
(Photo: Virgin Atlantic)
According to Virgin Atlantic, the fuel used to power the flight is primarily made from used cooking oil and waste animal fat, blended with a small amount of synthetic aromatic kerosene produced from waste corn.
European airlines are increasing investments and signing deals to secure the supply of SAF needed to meet goals set by the EU aimed at reducing the aviation sector's carbon footprint.
