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♻️ The first transatlantic flight by a large passenger plane powered only by alternative fuels has taken off. Operated by Virgin Atlantic, it is flying from London's Heathrow to New York's JFK airport. Airlines see the flight, which is supported by government funding, as demonstrating that a greener way of flying is possible. 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 has been 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. BBC News BBC #sustainability Author: Katy Austin https://lnkd.in/gwA24SEh

Good to see these more Sustainable ( in this case Aviation) Fuels and technologies finally come to fruition. This technology formed part of the Low Impact Transormation strategic programme that I led for BP around 15 years ago. But it just shows the regulatory as well as technology hurdles that need to be overcome to bring them to commercial reality. But equally, what a barrier this is to innovative new entrants trying to enter the market(s). https://lnkd.in/eHaeuZNa

Virgin Atlantic is conducting the first 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) fuelled commercial transatlantic passenger flight today. While the London to New York flight is indeed an engineering feat, don't expect to see commercial flights being powered entirely by SAF anytime soon. Demand continues to outpace global supply, even though SAF makes up just over 0.1% in the global aviation fuel mix. Waste-based feedstocks linked to the circular economy remains scarce. SAF also costs approximately two to five times as much as fossil-based jet kerosene. Introduce green hydrogen in the supply chain and the cost increases further. The issues surrounding the post-pandemic world grappling with a fragile supply chain rocked by geopolitical turbulence could also delay the onset of the necessary capacity expansion required for the SAF market. Find out more in this free article I wrote with Shruti Salwan: https://lnkd.in/gJjnNSCV #saf #aviationindustry #virginatlantic #icis

This is a bit of good news. A transatlantic flight using a sustainable aviation fuel. It may not be truly 'net-zero' but it's a demonstration of a good step in that direction. It may not be truly sustainable for people to continue travelling and flying as they have done, even with this fuel. However, this fuel makes it a bit more sustainable and, in conjunction with improving the alternative modes of transport and removing some of the need to travel, we are slowly taking steps to turn in the right direction. Battery electric flight, powered by renewables, may never fill the whole demand for aviation (although it could be the answer for some applications), so finding a more sustainable way forward for aviation should be applauded. https://lnkd.in/eNGhfrZa

First Transatlantic Flight Using 100% Sustainable Jet Fuel Takes Off: The first transatlantic flight by a commercial airliner fully powered by "sustainable" jet fuel has taken off from London Heathrow. From a report: Tuesday's Virgin Atlantic flight, partly funded by the UK government, has been hailed by the aviation industry and ministers as a demonstration of the potential to significantly cut net carbon emissions from flying, although scientists and environmental groups are extremely sceptical. Airlines have previously flown on a blend of up to 50% of alternative fuels, called sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and flight VS100 is operating under special dispensation with no paying passengers, using fuel made mostly from tallow and other waste products. One of those onboard, the transport secretary, Mark Harper, said: "Today's 100% SAF-powered flight shows how we can decarbonise transport both now and in the future, cutting lifecycle emissions by 70% and inspiring the next generation of solutions." Rishi Sunak said the flight was "a major milestone towards making air travel more environmentally friendly and decarbonising our skies." Virgin Atlantic said the flight to New York would show that SAF was a safe replacement for normal kerosene jet fuel. The Virgin Atlantic founder and president, Sir Richard Branson, also onboard, said: "The world will always assume something can't be done, until you do it." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

First Transatlantic Flight Using 100% Sustainable Jet Fuel Takes Off: The first transatlantic flight by a commercial airliner fully powered by "sustainable" jet fuel has taken off from London Heathrow. From a report: Tuesday's Virgin Atlantic flight, partly funded by the UK government, has been hailed by the aviation industry and ministers as a demonstration of the potential to significantly cut net carbon emissions from flying, although scientists and environmental groups are extremely sceptical. Airlines have previously flown on a blend of up to 50% of alternative fuels, called sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and flight VS100 is operating under special dispensation with no paying passengers, using fuel made mostly from tallow and other waste products. One of those onboard, the transport secretary, Mark Harper, said: "Today's 100% SAF-powered flight shows how we can decarbonise transport both now and in the future, cutting lifecycle emissions by 70% and inspiring the next generation of solutions." Rishi Sunak said the flight was "a major milestone towards making air travel more environmentally friendly and decarbonising our skies." Virgin Atlantic said the flight to New York would show that SAF was a safe replacement for normal kerosene jet fuel. The Virgin Atlantic founder and president, Sir Richard Branson, also onboard, said: "The world will always assume something can't be done, until you do it." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Virgin Atlantic's Flight100 is a Milestone for #SustainableAviation. Last week, history was made as the world's first transatlantic flight using sustainable aviation fuel (#SAF) took off from London Heathrow and landed in New York JFK. Virgin Atlantic's Flight100, a Boeing 787, showcased the immense potential of SAF on long-haul flights, reducing carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional jet fuel. This groundbreaking achievement was the result of a year-long collaboration between #VirginAtlantic, the University of Sheffield, Imperial College London, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, BP and others, and was partially funded by the UK's Department of Transport. Here's what you need to know: • SAFs are made from renewable, waste, or recycled sources, reducing emissions by up to 70% compared to regular jet fuel. • Flight100 used a blend of 88% HEFA (hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids) and 12% SAK (synthetic aromatic kerosene). • SAFs function like traditional jet fuel, requiring no modifications to existing aircraft. • This was the longest-ever flight using 100% SAF in both engines by a commercial airline. • Global government policies aim for 10% SAF use by 2030, offering opportunities for oil companies to be involved. While SAF is more expensive than conventional jet fuel at the moment, its potential for a greener aviation future is undeniable.  #GreenTravel #BusinessAviation

ZeroAvia, the hydrogen-electric plane technology leader, joins forces with the carbon-conscious #EcoJet, a budding UK-based airline created by green energy industrialist Dale Vince. Under the agreement, ZeroAvia will supply up to 70 zero-emission plane engines, propelling EcoJet towards its ambitious goal of becoming the world's first all-electric airline. ZeroAvia, known for its groundbreaking hydrogen-electric planes, has already achieved notable milestones, securing experimental flight certificates from aviation authorities in both the UK and the US. Now, with EcoJet, they aim to redefine air travel by introducing a fleet of hydrogen-electric planes, contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly future. EcoJet, founded just 5 months ago, envisions guilt-free flying with carbon-free aircraft powered by renewable energy. The partnership involves the purchase of ZeroAvia's cutting-edge ZA600 and ZA2000 engines, marking a significant step towards a green aviation revolution. Financing facilitated by zero- and low-emission technology financier MONTE ensures EcoJet's transition to a zero-emission airline, with commercial flights expected to commence in 2024. Dale Vince, EcoJet founder, emphasizes the profound impact of this collaboration on making aviation a low to zero carbon footprint industry. Together with local airports, the trio of ZeroAvia, MONTE, and EcoJet plans to pioneer hydrogen-electric commercial operations in the UK and potentially beyond. As the aviation industry takes strides toward sustainability, EcoJet's commitment to retrofit existing aircraft with hydrogen-electric engines, aiming for zero-emissions, showcases a significant leap forward. #ZeroEmission #Aviation #GreenFlight #SustainableTravel #EcoJet #ZeroAvia