On November 28, Virgin Atlantic made history in the aviation industry by operating the first-ever transatlantic flight powered solely by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from London Heathrow to New York JFK.
This groundbreaking flight utilized the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, underscoring the airline’s commitment to pioneering green aviation technology.
For this landmark journey, fuel partners Air bp and Virent supplied a total of 60 tonnes of SAF. The blend consisted of 88% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and 12% synthetic aromatic kerosene (SAK), demonstrating the viability of advanced, next-generation sustainable fuel solutions.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by more than 70% compared to traditional jet fuel, all while delivering equivalent performance and reliability. As of 2025, SAF continues to represent a fraction of global jet fuel usage—less than 0.1%—and aviation standards currently allow up to a 50% blend in routine commercial flights. This Virgin Atlantic initiative showcased the real-world potential for SAF to replace fossil fuels entirely on long-haul routes.
Virgin Atlantic’s leadership in sustainable flight is reinforced by its fleet of fuel-efficient aircraft and a longstanding dedication to decarbonizing the skies. The airline’s 15+ year investment in SAF technology and innovation places them at the forefront of the industry’s drive toward Net Zero emissions by 2050, in line with the latest IATA and ICAO targets.
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