The world’s first net zero transatlantic flight will be delivered in 2023 after an announcement by transport secretary Grant Shapps.

In a global first, the pioneering flight, which will be powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel, is expected to take off by the end of next year.

Meeting with airline executives in the US, Shapps has asked the international sector to work closely with the UK government to deliver the demonstrator flight, creating the chance for flights on the transatlantic route and others to be powered solely by low-carbon fuel.

The industry has the potential to deliver significant carbon savings, improving domestic fuel security and supporting thousands of green jobs, all while putting flying on a more sustainable path, the government said.

Industry estimates suggest that a UK sustainable aviation fuel industry could support up to 5,200 UK jobs directly, as well as a further 13,600 through global exports – helping to level up the UK and boost the economy. The industry estimates its annual turnover could reach £2.3 billion by 2040.

Commenting on the flight, Shapps said: “This trailblazing new-zero emissions flight, a world first, will demonstrate the vital role that sustainable aviation fuel can play in decarbonising aviation in line with our ambitious new-zero targets.

“That’s not just great news for the environment, it’s great news for passengers who will be able to visit the Big Apple without increasing damaging greenhouse gas emissions.

“It’s crucial that we place sustainability at the heart of the aviation industry’s recovery from Covid-19 and I look forward to working with them on this challenge, which will lower the impact flying across the Atlantic has on the planet.”

The new initiative has come out of the Jet Zero Council, a partnership between industry and government that aims to deliver new technologies and innovative ways to cut aviation emissions while supporting the UK economy.

Aviation is currently one of the highest single emitters of greenhouse gases, and one of the biggest challenges for a green transformation of transport.

Recommended

• Scottish EdTech 448 Studio receives £100,000 investment
• Musk puts Twitter takeover on hold
• Partnership between US and UK to launch new era of spaceflight

The fuel, made from waste materials, such as household waste or used cooking oil, offers greenhouse gas emissions savings of more than 70% compared to conventional fossil jet fuel when fully replacing kerosene.

When combined with greenhouse gas removals, 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will enable the delivery of a new-zero flight.

Current jet fuel specifications do not allow flights to use 100% SAF, meaning its use must be complemented by additional decarbonisation measures to be fully new-zero.

Delivering the transatlantic flight would help to gather the data needed to support ongoing and future work to test and certify sustainable aviation fuel while exploring how engine efficiency improvements, flight optimisation and greenhouse gas removals can contribute to achieving net zero flights.

Future join initiative projects will look to boost the current domestic SAF sector, with projects including a government SAF mandate and support of the UK SAF industry with £180 million of funding over the next three years,

The aim is to accelerate the commercialisation of SAF plants and the establishment of a fuel testing clearing house in the UK, as announced in the Net Zero Strategy.

In addition, around £400m will be made available through a government partnership with Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to drive private sector investment into the next generation of green tech, through which UK SAF projects may seek additional capital.

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.