The aviation industry has been looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for years. And no wonder, as it is estimated that they are responsible for 2% of global CO2 emissions. For this reason, the transatlantic flight between London and New York has marked a before and after in the use of alternative fuels.
The historic flight: Virgin Atlantic
In November 2023, Virgin Atlantic airline carried out a flight from London’s Heathrow Airport to New York’s JFK.
What makes this flight special is that it was carried out using exclusively sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is made from circular economy waste, such as used cooking oils and animal fats.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
Sustainable aviation fuel is an alternative to kerosene, the fossil fuel commonly used by airlines. SAF is produced from renewable and recycled raw materials, which reduce carbon emissions compared to kerosene. In the case of the Virgin Atlantic flight, the SAF used was made from used cooking oils and animal fats, waste products from the food industry.
Benefits of sustainable fuel in aviation
The use of this fuel in aviation has great benefits for the environment and for industry.
The main one is to reduce carbon emissions and emit fewer greenhouse gases.
In addition, SAF is also compatible with existing aircraft engines, so airlines would not need to make major modifications.
Sustainable fuel challenges
There are also challenges that need to be overcome before large-scale implementation.
The most important: the availability and cost of SAF.
Its production is limited and has a much higher cost compared to conventional kerosene. However, the cost is expected to decrease as demand increases and production processes improve.
Another obstacle we encounter is the absence of legal regulations. It will be necessary to design policies that promote the use of SAF and create a regulatory framework for the transition to sustainable aviation.
The future of sustainable aviation fuels
Virgin Atlantic’s flight marks an important milestone in the aviation industry. It has shown that it is possible to fly in a more sustainable way that reduces carbon emissions.
But the use of eco-friendly fuels is only one part of a more ambitious agenda in aviation sustainability. Airlines and governments are already investing in research and development of clean technologies, such as electric and hybrid aircraft. They are also investing in improving the energy efficiency of those that already exist. These developments, together with the use of sustainable fuels, augur well for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future in aviation.
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Do you know that…
Did you know that the first controlled, powered, and successful airplane was the Wright Flyer, designed by the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur? On December 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Orville Wright made the first successful flight with an engine, covering a distance of 36.5 meters (120 feet) in 12 seconds. This historic flight marks the beginning of modern aviation and paved the way for significant technological advancements in the field of aeronautics.
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