The first transatlantic flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is set for take-off today from London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) bound for New York.
The flight will be operated by a Virgin Atlantic (VS/VIR) Boeing 787 Dreamliner powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines and is the first time a commercial airliner has been flown long-haul on 100% SAF.
Offering a 70% reduction in carbon emissions SAF is seen as a major step in the path to Net-Zero by many airlines including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Air France-KLM.
SAF is made from by-products and waste products from agriculture and oils such as waste cooking oils and whilst production is currently low, more and more producers are beginning operations with airlines doing deals to purchase thousands of litres of SAF.
The Virgin Atlantic flight is partly funded by the UK Government as it seeks to invest in ways to reduce carbon emissions from the aviation industry.
Whilst the flight isn’t a revenue flight so won’t be carrying passengers Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson will be on the flight along with the CEO Shai Weiss, and transport minister Mark Harper
The flight is scheduled to leave London Heathrow at 1130