November 28 has been set as the date for Virgin Atlantic to make its worlds-first transatlantic flight powered entirely by ‘sustainable aviation fuels’ or SAF, with permission granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Airlines have experimented for several years with shorter flights powered by SAF and even longer flights with a mix of SAF and conventional kerosene-based fuels, but this is a first for such a flight with only SAF. Permission is also needed, and expected, from U.S., Canadian and Irish regulators since the flight will pass through those countries’ airspace.
Airlines are looking to SAF as a way to keep the industry flying while meeting targets for ‘decarbonizing’ the industry, along with the development of more efficient planes. SAF is biofuel derived from a number of sources, with oil companies among those looking to get into the field. However, at least at first, SAF will be more expensive than conventional fuels and may lead to a rise in ticket prices, some experts warn.
