You probably might have heard a lot of "SAF" in the past few months, known as Sustainable Aviation Fuel in full. It is a kind of aviation fuel derived from used cooking oils and the notable airline Virgin Atlantic has successfully flown from London Heathrow Airport to New York John F. Kennedy Airport solely on it.
Photo by Sachin Amjhad on Unsplash
Virgin Atlantic achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the launch of Flight100, a historic flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK that exclusively used 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This marks the first instance of a commercial airline successfully completing a transatlantic journey with SAF, underscoring its viability as a secure and efficient alternative to traditional fossil-derived jet fuel.
The flight, conducted on a Boeing 787 equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, is the result of a collaborative initiative led by Virgin Atlantic and involving key partners like Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, ICF, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the Department for Transport.
SAF, produced from waste materials, has the potential to play a crucial role in the decarbonization of long-haul aviation by delivering up to 70% CO2 lifecycle emissions savings compared to conventional jet fuel.
Flight100 demonstrates that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) serves as a secure and seamless substitute for fossil-derived jet fuel, presenting the sole viable solution for decarbonizing extended air travel in the mid-term.
This groundbreaking flight, utilizing a Boeing 787 equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, marks a global milestone as the first commercial airline to traverse the Atlantic on 100% SAF.
The achievement is the result of a year-long intensive collaboration led by Virgin Atlantic, involving Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, ICF, and the Rocky Mountain Institute, in partnership with the Department for Transport.
Virgin Atlantic's historic flight departing from London Heathrow to New York JFK showcases the outcome of this collaborative effort, demonstrating SAF's capability as a safe substitute for traditional jet fuel, compatible with existing engines, airframes, and fuel infrastructure.
SAF plays a vital role in the decarbonization of long-haul aviation and the path towards achieving Net Zero by 2050. This fuel, derived from waste products, delivers up to a 70% reduction in CO2 lifecycle emissions while performing comparably to conventional jet fuel.
In contrast to technologies like electric and hydrogen, which are still years away, SAF can be implemented immediately. Despite its current representation being less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes, Flight100 emphasizes that scaling up production hinges on swift policy and investment actions by both industry and government to establish a thriving UK SAF industry.
Beyond proving SAF's capabilities, Flight100 will evaluate its impact on non-carbon emissions with the support of consortium partners. This research aims to enhance scientific understanding of SAF's effects on contrails and particulates, contributing to the implementation of contrail forecasts in flight planning. The gathered data and research will be shared with the industry.
The SAF used in Flight100 is a unique dual blend: 88% HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) supplied by AirBP and 12% SAK (Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene) supplied by Virent, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. HEFA is derived from waste fats, while SAK is made from plant sugars.
To achieve Net Zero by 2050, innovation and investment across various feedstocks and technologies must be maximized to increase SAF volumes, alongside ongoing research and development for zero-emission aircraft.
Virgin Atlantic, committed to sustainable aviation, operates one of the most fuel and carbon-efficient fleets globally. Flight100 builds upon the airline's 15-year track record in leading the development of SAF at scale.
Looking forward, industry and government collaboration is crucial to establishing a UK SAF industry and meeting the aviation sector's 10% SAF target by 2030. This effort is expected to bring significant social and economic benefits, with an estimated contribution of £1.8 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK and over 10,000 jobs.
Virgin Atlantic's CEO, Shai Weiss, emphasizes the need for increased investment, regulatory certainty, and government support to scale up SAF production, underscoring Flight100's proof that SAF is a viable option for sustainable air travel. Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, expresses pride in the airline's continued commitment to innovation and sustainability, highlighting the significance of Flight100 in setting the course for decarbonizing long-haul aviation.
