LONDON – The aviation industry took a significant step towards sustainability as the first commercial flight using 100% green fuel successfully flew from London to New York. The groundbreaking flight, named Flight100, was operated by a Virgin Boeing 787 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.
Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson and CEO Shai Weiss were on board the historic flight, which carried no paying passengers or cargo. It landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 2:40 p.m. EST as part of a test flight.
This milestone comes just days before the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The flight used sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is made from waste products and can potentially reduce carbon emissions by up to 70%. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 100% SAF has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to a remarkable 94%.
We are determined to prove that we can do things better for everyone’s benefit, said Richard Branson in a statement. The spirit of innovation is all about stepping up and showing the world that what seems impossible is, in fact, achievable. I am extremely proud to be onboard Flight100 alongside the teams at Virgin Atlantic and our partners, as we pave the way for the decarbonization of long-haul aviation.
Currently, fuel standards allow for a maximum of a 50% SAF blend to be used in commercial aircraft engines, highlighting the significance of this groundbreaking achievement. While Flight100 used 100% green fuel, the aircraft will return to Britain using regular jet fuel.
By successfully completing this long-haul flight with 100% sustainable aviation fuel, Virgin Atlantic and its partners have demonstrated that alternative fuel sources can power commercial flights effectively. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards decarbonizing the aviation industry, which has long been a significant contributor to global carbon emissions.
The use of sustainable aviation fuel offers a promising solution to reduce the industry’s environmental impact. As a renewable and low-carbon alternative to traditional jet fuel, SAF can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, helping combat climate change.
The aviation sector has frequently faced criticism for its high carbon footprint, leading airlines to invest in more sustainable practices and technologies. By embracing sustainable aviation fuel, the industry takes a major stride towards achieving its long-term environmental goals.
Flight100 serves as a testament to the pioneering spirit and determination of Virgin Atlantic and its partners in driving the shift towards cleaner and greener aviation. This flight not only marks a historic moment but also sets the stage for a more sustainable future for long-haul air travel. As the world looks towards the United Nations Climate Change Conference, this achievement sends a powerful message about the potential for innovative solutions to combat climate change and reshape the future of aviation.
The successful completion of Flight100 offers hope and inspiration to the global aviation industry. With continued research, development, and investment in sustainable aviation fuels, airlines can lead the way in reducing their environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
