In a landmark achievement for eco-friendly aviation, Virgin Atlantic operated its pioneering “Flight100” from London Heathrow to New York JFK using solely 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) aboard a Boeing 787 powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.
This groundbreaking transatlantic journey was designed to rigorously assess whether SAF could serve as a seamless, drop-in substitute for traditional jet fuel—delivering both uncompromised safety and meaningful environmental benefits.
Virgin Atlantic’s message is unequivocal: “If you produce SAF, we are ready to lead the way in flying with it.”
Key outcomes from Flight100:
- Switching entirely to SAF reduced lifecycle carbon emissions by the equivalent of 95 tonnes of CO2, translating to a 64% cut compared to a conventional Heathrow–JFK flight.
- Beyond lowering carbon output, SAF usage also resulted in a 40% drop in particulate emissions, which can significantly curb contrail formation. Notably, the SAF blend used on Flight100 demonstrated up to 1% higher energy density than traditional jet fuel, supporting further fuel efficiency gains and emission reductions.
- SAF remains the only viable solution for decarbonizing long-haul air travel in the medium term, but scaling up production is essential to meet industry demand.
The SAF blend fueling Flight100 combined 88% HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids), sourced from waste fats, and 12% SAK (Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene), derived from plant-based sugars. SAK is a crucial component in 100% SAF mixes, ensuring the required aromatic content for optimal engine performance while supporting a circular approach to agricultural by-products.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, commented: “Flight100 stands as proof that Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a safe, direct replacement for fossil-based jet fuel and the most promising pathway to long-haul aviation decarbonization. This achievement is the result of unprecedented industry collaboration, but real progress demands greater investment and regulatory certainty. The UK Government’s backing through price incentives and clear policy frameworks is essential. As we have shown, when SAF is available, Virgin Atlantic will be at the forefront of flying with it.”
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