One of Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787s completed a groundbreaking journey across the Atlantic powered solely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This historic flight marks a significant step towards achieving Jet Zero, the initiative aimed at enabling sustainable travel and boosting the UK economy. The flight received up to £1 million in government funding, showcasing the UK’s commitment to transport innovation and its leadership in the sector. The Transport Secretary, accompanied by Virgin Atlantic’s CEO and founder, took part in the world’s first transatlantic flight by a commercial airline powered entirely by SAF.
The pioneering flight departed from London Heathrow and arrived at JFK International Airport, New York, on November 28, 2023. The use of 100% sustainable aviation fuel on this journey is a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact and work towards the net-zero emissions target set for 2050. The SAF utilized on this flight is produced from waste fats that are not suitable for the food chain, demonstrating the potential of repurposing waste products to achieve greener air travel.
The UK government’s funding awarded to Virgin Atlantic and its consortium in December 2022 played a crucial role in realizing this historic flight and facilitating the testing of the fuel. This funding also enabled the collection of valuable data that will contribute to the acceleration of SAF approval and enhance our understanding of its efficiency. SAF offers a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of approximately 70% throughout its life cycle when compared to standard jet fuel. This means that travel can be more environmentally friendly while keeping the UK connected globally.
Amid the approaching Dubai COP28, this flight serves as an important reminder that the UK is committed to tackling decarbonization challenges in the transport sector. The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, expressed his enthusiasm for the milestone flight, highlighting the government’s continued support for the SAF industry and its contribution to job creation, economic growth, and the aim of achieving Jet Zero.
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic’s Founder, emphasized the airline’s long-standing commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation and advocating for sustainable practices. He expressed his pride in being onboard Flight100 and commended the collaborative effort between Virgin Atlantic, its partners, and the industry at large in spearheading the decarbonization of long-haul aviation.
Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Atlantic, underscored the importance of sustainable aviation fuel as a safe and effective alternative to fossil-derived jet fuel, emphasizing the necessity of increased investment to scale up its production. The flight signifies a significant milestone but also highlights the need for regulatory certainty and price support mechanisms to accelerate the production and adoption of SAF.
The successful transatlantic flight represents a significant leap forward in pursuing cleaner skies and aligns with the UK’s commitment to advancing sustainable aviation fuels. Building on this achievement, the UK government recently announced the second round of the Advanced Fuels Fund, injecting £53 million into various projects aimed at scaling up SAF production. The UK intends to lead the global charge in decarbonizing aviation by ensuring an adequate supply of SAF, making it more cost-effective, and solidifying the UK’s position as a world leader in this sector.
Taking advantage of his visit to the US, the Transport Secretary will showcase the UK’s progress in transport innovation, including SAF and automated vehicles. In New York, a SAF Investor Summit will be co-chaired by the Transport Secretary to unlock private investment in building a sustainable aviation sector, generating employment opportunities and driving economic growth. Furthermore, the Transport Secretary’s visit to San Francisco aims to explore opportunities for the UK to become a global hub for developing self-driving cars, aligning with the newly announced Automated Vehicles Bill. The self-driving car industry has the potential to create 38,000 jobs in the UK, with a market value estimated at £42 billion by 2035.
In summary, Virgin Atlantic’s successful transatlantic flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel represents a significant milestone towards achieving Jet Zero and making air travel more environmentally friendly. This demonstration of innovation and commitment to sustainability confirms the UK’s global leadership in transport innovation and its dedication to a greener future for air travel. With investments in the SAF industry and automation technologies, the UK aims to create jobs, boost the economy, and maintain its position as a frontrunner in decarbonizing aviation and shaping the future of transport.
