Successful Test Advances Plans For World’s First 100%-SAF Transatlantic Flight

Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce have successfully carried out a ground test on the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine using a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend. This paves the way for the world’s first 100% SAF flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for November 28, 2023.

Fuel suppliers Air BP and Virent have been selected to provide the 60 tons of SAF required for the flight. The SAF will be a blend of hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) and synthetic aromatic kerosene (SAK), in an 88% and 12% blend ratio, respectively. The project will mitigate any remaining CO2 emissions from the flight using carbon removals from biochar projects.

The project is a joint effort funded by the UK’s Department for Transport and stakeholders, such as Rolls-Royce, Boeing, University of Sheffield, Imperial College London, and Rocky Mountain Institute. Although the successful bench engine test is a critical milestone, additional permissions and safety approvals are required for the November flight.

Current fuel standards only permit a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines so if successful, the flight will open the gates for greater use of SAF as a drop-in replacement for fossil fuels.