Photo: Virgin Atlantic
In less than four weeks, Virgin Atlantic could make aviation history with the first transatlantic passenger flight powered by pure, unblended SAF (sustainable aviation fuel). It already got the green light in the UK, and it needs to do the same in the US, Ireland, and Canada.
It's not "all clear" yet, but Virgin Atlantic is very close to setting a world record and paving the way for future commercial flights that rely solely on alternative fuel. After a series of technical reviews, the UK's Civil Aviation Authority officially granted the operator permission for this historic flight.
For the next step, Virgin Atlantic will also need to get the green light from aviation authorities in the US, Ireland, and Canada. The flight is scheduled for November 28 and was announced at the end of 2022. What makes it pioneering is that the airliner's engines will be fueled only with 100% SAF. At the moment, SAF is only allowed for commercial operations in a blended form with conventional jet fuel. The success of this operation could help accelerate the industry's transition to SAF.
In the summer of 2022, another airline completed what it claimed to be the world's first SAF-powered flight with passengers on board. A Malaysia Airline Boeing 737-800 flew from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore powered by a blend of 38% SAF and kerosene. Prior to that, a Royal Air Force (RAF) Voyager tanker aircraft had completed what was described as the world's first 100% SAF-powered flight.
Now, Virgin Atlantic will take this further by using 100% unblended SAF for its upcoming flight. Plus, it will mark the first time when SAF is used for a transatlantic route. A Boeing 787 will fly from London Heathrow to the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.
One of the most prominent advantages of SAF is that it can be used as a drop-in fuel, meaning it doesn't require any modifications to existing engines or the aircraft. During the technical review process in the UK, the airliner's Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine underwent ground testing running on SAF to confirm all performance and safety parameters.
This upcoming transatlantic flight isn't only about confirming SAF's compatibility with commercial flight operations in an unblended form. According to Virgin Atlantic representatives, it's also about raising awareness and accelerating the development of a biofuel industry.
Although everyone in the industry seems to agree that green jet fuel is the best solution for reducing CO2 emissions right now, SAF is still hardly available and very expensive (up to five times more expensive than standard fuel). Virgin Atlantic, like many other operators around the globe, is advocating for a national SAF industry, and that won't be possible without government support.
For the next step, Virgin Atlantic will also need to get the green light from aviation authorities in the US, Ireland, and Canada. The flight is scheduled for November 28 and was announced at the end of 2022. What makes it pioneering is that the airliner's engines will be fueled only with 100% SAF. At the moment, SAF is only allowed for commercial operations in a blended form with conventional jet fuel. The success of this operation could help accelerate the industry's transition to SAF.
In the summer of 2022, another airline completed what it claimed to be the world's first SAF-powered flight with passengers on board. A Malaysia Airline Boeing 737-800 flew from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore powered by a blend of 38% SAF and kerosene. Prior to that, a Royal Air Force (RAF) Voyager tanker aircraft had completed what was described as the world's first 100% SAF-powered flight.
Now, Virgin Atlantic will take this further by using 100% unblended SAF for its upcoming flight. Plus, it will mark the first time when SAF is used for a transatlantic route. A Boeing 787 will fly from London Heathrow to the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.
One of the most prominent advantages of SAF is that it can be used as a drop-in fuel, meaning it doesn't require any modifications to existing engines or the aircraft. During the technical review process in the UK, the airliner's Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine underwent ground testing running on SAF to confirm all performance and safety parameters.
This upcoming transatlantic flight isn't only about confirming SAF's compatibility with commercial flight operations in an unblended form. According to Virgin Atlantic representatives, it's also about raising awareness and accelerating the development of a biofuel industry.
Although everyone in the industry seems to agree that green jet fuel is the best solution for reducing CO2 emissions right now, SAF is still hardly available and very expensive (up to five times more expensive than standard fuel). Virgin Atlantic, like many other operators around the globe, is advocating for a national SAF industry, and that won't be possible without government support.
Google News