RE: Virgin SAF Transatlantic Flight28 Nov 2023 09:18
Https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67548961
The first transatlantic flight powered only by alternative fuels will take off from the UK on Tuesday morning.
Operated by Virgin Atlantic, it will fly from London's Heathrow to New York's JFK airport at 11:30 GMT.
Airlines see the flight, which is supported by government funding, as demonstrating that a greener way of flying is possible.
But a lack of fuel supply remains a challenge, while other technology will be needed to hit emissions targets.
The flight is a one-off of its kind so far, and is not carrying fare-paying passengers.
So-called sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) can be made from a variety of sources, including crops, household waste and cooking oils.
For this flight, a Boeing 787 will be filled with 50 tonnes of SAF. Two types are being used, with 88% derived from waste fats and the rest from the wastes of corn production in the US.
Following test and analysis, the flight was approved by UK regulator the Civil Aviation Authority earlier this month. A number of companies have been involved in the project including engine-maker Rolls-Royce and energy giant BP.
The aviation industry is particularly difficult to decarbonise, but airline bosses view SAF as the most effective tool available to help bring its net emissions down to zero.
Planes still emit carbon when using SAF, but the industry says the "lifecycle emissions" of these fuels can be up to 70% lower.
Shai Weiss, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, said the airline's flight on Tuesday was "proving... that fossil-derived fuel can be replaced by sustainable aviation fuel".
"It's really the only pathway to decarbonising long-haul aviation over and above having the youngest fleet in the sky," he told the BBC's Today programme. "It is a really momentous achievement."
However, he said there was not enough SAF currently. "The issue is how we get enough production here in the UK as part of an industrial revolution and more importantly around the world."
He admitted that due to the fuel being more expensive, flight prices would end up being higher.
SAF is already used in small amounts, blended with traditional jet fuel, but accounts for less than 0.1% of the aviation fuel consumed around the world.
It currently costs more than kerosene, and relatively small amounts are made. Aircraft are usually only allowed to use up to 50% in a blend.
There are no dedicated commercial SAF plants in the UK, although the government aim is to have five under construction by 2025, supported by grant funding.
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