VIRGIN ATLANTIC TO OPERATE FIRST 'NET ZERO' TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT

Virgin Atlantic is preparing to conduct the first flight from London to New York using a Boeing 787 aircraft powered solely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Not only will SAF play a key role in decarbonising aviation but it could also create a UK industry with an annual turnover of £2.4 billion by 2040 and turnover of £2.4 billion by 2040 and which supports up to 5,200 jobs in the UK by 2035. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “For decades, flying from London to New York has symbolised aviation’s ability to connect people and drive international progress. It is now going to be at the forefront of cutting carbon emissions from flying. “Not only will this flight pave the way for future generations, but it will demonstrate just how much we can achieve when we work together on a shared goal, bringing together some of the best businesses and academics in the world and led by a British airline.”