Virgin Atlantic preps for "world-first" transatlantic SAF flight

LONDON - The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a permit to Virgin Atlantic to fly a world-first transatlantic 100 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flight. Virgin Atlantic plans to fly across the Atlantic from London Heathrow to New York JFK on 28 November 2023 to test and showcase the feasibility of flying on all SAF.

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

"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," CAA director Rob Bishton said.

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