Virgin Atlantic joins a growing number of airlines and aircraft manufacturers switching toward a more environmentally friendly option to fuel their aircraft. Sustainable Aviation Fuel better known as SAF provides a eco friendly alternative. According to The Department Of Energy, “SAF made from renewable biomass and waste resources have the potential to deliver the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel but with a fraction of its carbon footprint.” Virgin Atlantic will begin operating flights with SAF starting November 2023.
World’s First 100% SAF flight Across The Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic will be flying the world first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel flight across the Atlantic this November. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner from London to New York will operate the historic flight. Virgin Atlantic and engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce confirm that SAF ground tests on the Trent 1000 engine have been successful. Aviation suppliers Air bp and Virent have announced commitments to supply 60 tons of SAF for research and the worlds first transatlantic flight on SAF.
Modernizing An Eco Friendly Fleet
Virgin Atlantic has been modernizing its fleet retiring fuel thirsty aircraft in favor more fuel efficient Airbus A330-900neos and Airbus A350-1000s. The A330neo aircraft alone amounts to 11% better fuel efficiency compared to the older A330-300ceo aircraft. According to Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss, “The 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel transatlantic flight will be a historic moment in aviation’s roadmap to decarbonization. Alongside fleet transformation, SAF is the most readily available way for our industry to decarbonize.” More details on this historic flight will follow in the coming months.
