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In an industry-first initiative, Virgin Atlantic is ready to propel the aviation sector into a new era of sustainability. Leveraging a novel blend of 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the airline is paving the way for the first-ever full SAF-fueled transatlantic flight. The London to New York journey, scheduled for 28th November 2023, stands as an emblem of environmental responsibility within the air travel sector.

Key partners contributing to this path-breaking endeavour include the fuel technology firms Air BP and Virent, collaborating with Johnson Matthey. They have committed to supply the 60 tonnes of SAF needed for the project, marking a turning point in aviation’s decarbonisation journey.

A crucial project phase saw the successful completion of a SAF blend test on a Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, which powers the Boeing 787 designated for the flight. This blend consists of an 88% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) mix and a 12% aromatic element, demonstrating the innovative strides taken in biofuel technology.

Virent and Johnson Matthey have been instrumental in developing BioForming S2A process technology, an innovative process that transforms sugars into renewable fuels. The BioForm SAK created through this technology constitutes a significant component of the SAF blend used in this historic flight.

The SAF has exhibited exceptional capabilities, achieving lifecycle CO2 emissions savings of up to 70%, resulting in fewer particulate emissions than conventional jet fuel. Commercial jet engine regulations permit only a 50% blend of SAF. This pioneering flight, however, aims to prove that SAF can replace fossil fuel entirely without compromising safety. (Source: Virent, Inc.)[Insert Link Here]

The sentiments of industry leaders echo the significance of this venture. Alberto Giovanzana, Chief Commercial Officer of Catalyst Technologies at Johnson Matthey, declared the successful SAF blend test a significant advancement. “It will enable airlines to continue using the same fleets, the same infrastructure but with a much lower carbon footprint,” he said, hailing the development as great news for all.

Virent’s President and General Counsel, Dave Kettner, added, “This test showed that 100% drop-in renewable fuel is cleaner burning and will work seamlessly in today’s commercial airline engines.” Virent, he stated, shares the commitment of Virgin Atlantic, Rolls-Royce, and AirBP to discover sustainable ways to fly. The critical role of their plant-based synthetic aromatic Kerosene (SAK) in achieving this goal only adds to the enthusiasm.

In the quest to balance innovation and environmental consciousness, this groundbreaking venture by Virgin Atlantic and its partners heralds a promising new chapter for the aviation industry.