Virgin Atlantic is set to launch the world’s first transatlantic flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The flight leaves from London’s Heathrow to New York’s JFK airport with a Boeing 787, equipped with 50 tonnes of SAF. The flilght is supported by government funding and has been approved by UK regulator the Civil Aviation Authority. The aviation industry is notoriously difficult to decarbonize however SAF is viewed as the most effective tool at bringing net emissions down to zero.
Airlines currently only use small amounts of SAF, with less than 0.1% of the aviation fuel consumed around the world coming from sustainable sources. While planes still emit carbon when using SAF, lifecycle emissions can be up to 70% lower, with SAF being made from crops, household waste and cooking oils. Prices for SAF are currently higher than kerosene, and aircraft are typically only allowed to use up to 50% of SAF in a blend.
Despite the cost, the UK government plans to require 10% of aviation fuel to be SAF by 2030. The lack of fuel supply for SAF and the technology needed to achieve emissions targets are the two main challenges faced by the aviation industry. Experts have expressed caution about the idea of SAF as a “magic bullet”, with Dr. Guy Gratton, associate professor of Aviation and the Environment at Cranfield University, stating “these fuels are not true ‘net zeros'”. He highlighted that we still need to look towards other technologies like hydrogen and e-fuels.
UK ministers are opposed to halting air travel, and instead support the development of sustainable travel technologies. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said “Using sustainable aviation fuel means that over its life cycle we produce around 70% less carbon emissions than traditional fuels so that is a really big step forward.” While SAF is an important first step, further technological advances are required for the aviation industry to reach its net-zero targets
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