Virgin Atlantic’s “world-first” transatlantic SAF flight on the Way

Virgin Atlantic’s “world-first” transatlantic 100 per cent SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) flight is on the way after receiving permission from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The airline plans to fly Virgin Atlantic’s “world-first” transatlantic SAF flight across the Atlantic from London Heathrow to New York JFK on November 28, 2023, to test and showcase the feasibility of flying on all SAF.

The permit follows a program of technical reviews by the regulator, which analyzed different aspects of the planned flight, including undertaking ground testing with Rolls Royce on a Trent 1000 engine running on 100 per cent SAF.

Rob Bishton, the Director of CAA, 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.”

Virgin Atlantic will operate a Boeing 787 on all SAF flights. Fuel suppliers AirBP and Virent will supply the 60 tons of HEFA SAF to be used in the flight.

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