Transatlantic Virgin Dreamliner flight using greener fuel takes off

Posted on : 12/03/2023
Transatlantic Virgin Dreamliner flight using greener fuel takes off
Travel 

Jet zero: ‘Milestone’ transatlantic Virgin Dreamliner flight using greener fuel made from cooking oil takes off from Heathrow

  • Virgin Atlantic is operating the flight from London ‘s Heathrow to New York’s JFK
  • Sir Richard Branson and Transport Secretary Mark Harper are on board
  • READ MORE: Viral timelapse video of trash-filled rivers being cleaned up

The first transatlantic flight by an airliner powered by pure sustainable aviation fuel (Saf) has taken off.

Virgin Atlantic is operating the flight from London’s Heathrow to New York’s JFK airport with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, Transport Secretary Mark Harper and Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss are among the passengers on the flight, which is not carrying fare-paying travellers.

Sir Richard said: ‘The world will always assume something can’t be done, until you do it.

The first transatlantic flight by an airliner powered by pure sustainable aviation fuel (Saf) has taken off (above)

‘The spirit of innovation is getting out there and trying to prove that we can do things better for everyone’s benefit.

‘Virgin Atlantic has been challenging the status quo and pushing the aviation industry to never settle and do better since 1984.’

The Transport Secretary said: ‘Today’s 100 per cent Saf-powered flight shows how we can decarbonise transport both now and in the future, cutting lifecycle emissions by 70 per cent and inspiring the next generation of solutions.

‘This Government has backed today’s flight to take off and we will continue to support the UK’s emerging Saf industry as it creates jobs, grows the economy and gets us to jet zero.’

Asked whether the greenest option would be for the flight not to take off, he told BBC Breakfast ‘people want to fly and this Government wants to make sure they can continue doing so, but in a way that delivers on our environmental provisions’.

The CAA analysed various aspects of Virgin Atlantic’s planned flight before granting the operating permit, including undertaking ground testing with an engine running on 100 per cent Saf.

Virgin Atlantic is operating the flight from London’s Heathrow to New York’s JFK airport with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft 

CAA chief executive Rob Bishton said: ‘As the UK’s aviation regulator, it’s important that we safely enable the industry to embrace more sustainable practices and push the boundaries of what’s possible to create a greener aviation industry.

‘This permit not only allows Virgin Atlantic and others to showcase their commitment to sustainability, but also serves as an example of how the industry is always exploring new technologies.

‘Innovation and sustainability are vital areas of work, but they must go hand in hand with safety.

‘This is a reminder that together we can drive change, reduce emissions and make the skies greener for generations to come.’

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