Virgin Atlantic has received a permit from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to embark on the world’s first transatlantic flight using entirely sustainable fuels. The flight, VS100, is scheduled for the 28th of November, to take off in London and land in New York. 

The CAA made the decision after a rigorous assessment of documents and evidence submitted by Virgin Atlantic, who was supported by a consortium of companies including Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and BP. The project was also partly funded by the UK Department for Transport. 

“Getting to this point has been more than a year in the making and taken radical collaboration across our consortium partners and government,” said Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic.

“We’re committed to using 10% SAF by 2030, but to get there we need the government to support the creation of a UK SAF industry. We know that if we can make it, we can fly it.”

Sustainable aviation fuel is derived from renewable, non-petroleum sources known as feedstocks. This can come from forestry and agricultural waste, using algae, carbon captured from the air, and synthesised fuels from hydrogen waste. 

This can then be blended with traditional kerosene up to a maximum of 50% without requiring modifications to jet engines. By fully replacing kerosene, sustainable aviation fuel could reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by over 70% compared to conventional fossil jet fuels. 

The permit obtained from the CAA is one of the necessary approvals for the flight to proceed. It also opens the door for Virgin Atlantic to submit applications to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Irish Aviation Authority, and Transport Canada, allowing the flight to traverse US, Irish, and Canadian airspace.

Recommended

• Evil Now Permitted after Google Drops Iconic Motto
• Continuous Learning Vital to Career Development
• Regulation Proposals Would Boost Drone Usage and UK Aviation Sector

“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,” said Rob Bishton, chief executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

“This permit not only allows Virgin Atlantic and others to showcase their commitment to sustainability, but also serves as an example of how the industry is always exploring new technologies.

“Innovation and sustainability are vital areas of work, but they must go hand in hand with safety. This is a reminder that together we can drive change, reduce emissions, and make the skies greener for generations to come.”