Airlines

Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce sets a date for the world’s first 100% SAF flight

Virgin Atlantic-led consortium confirms the world’s first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel flight across the Atlantic will fly on November 28, 2023, departing from London-Heathrow to NYC’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, pending further regulatory approvals and testing
SAF blend of 88% HEFA and 12% aromatics completes successful ground test on Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, a key milestone in approvals process
Fuel suppliers announced as Air bp and Virent, who will supply the 60 tonnes of SAF required for project

Today, Rolls-Royce and Virgin Atlantic both confirmed that the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mix ground test on the Trent 1000 engine was successful. The test represents a significant development in the project that will see the world’s first 100% SAF flight take off on a Boeing 787 on November 28, 2023, flying from London Heathrow to New York JFK.

Emirates flew B777 test flight with 100% SAF(Opens in a new browser tab)

In addition to the test, it has been reported that the 60 tonnes of SAF needed for the world’s first flight will be provided by fuel providers Air BP and Virent. A blend of 88% and 12% of synthetic aromatic kerosene (SAK) and hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) will be used to create the SAF.

It will need cross-industry cooperation and committed project teams working on the research, testing, and operations to make the 100% SAF transatlantic trip a reality and take to the skies. Rolls Royce, Boeing, the University of Sheffield, Imperial College London, and the Rocky Mountain Institute are all part of the Virgin Atlantic-led partnership that is jointly sponsored by the UK Department for Transport. A significant accomplishment was the successful bench engine test, but more authorizations and safety permits are needed before the flight can take off in November.

Rolls-Royce announces biggest ever order of Trent XWB-97 engines as Air India signs MOU (Opens in a new browser tab)

The 100% SAF transatlantic trip will be used by Virgin Atlantic and the partnership to promote SAF adoption and address other environmental effects of the industry. The project will present further CO2 emissions reductions from operating efficiency, support research and development into the non-CO2 effects of flying, and offer a complete life cycle study of the voyage. Utilising cutting-edge carbon removal techniques from biochar projects, any remaining CO2 emissions from the aircraft will be reduced.

Airlines

Singapore Airlines Ordered to Pay $3,580 to Couple over Faulty Seats

Image:Wikipedia

Following a dispute over defective seats during their voyage from India to Australia last year, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been compelled to pay a sum exceeding S$3,500 to an Indian couple.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Hyderabad ruled in favour of Ravi and Anjali Gupta, who on May 23, 2023, had problems with their business class seats that were meant to automatically recline on their flight from Hyderabad to Australia via Singapore.

Reports from media outlets in India highlighted the discomfort experienced by the couple, who were compelled to endure the entire journey without the benefit of reclining seats, despite having paid a significant amount which cost around 66,750 rupees (S$1,090) for each ticket, lodged a complaint during the flight, expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation.

Singapore Airlines initially offered compensation in the form of 10,000 KrisFlyer miles per person, which was declined by the passengers. As reported by CNA, Singapore Airlines apologised for any difficulty the technical failure may have caused and acknowledged the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Hyderabad’s ruling.

SIA clarified that while the automatic recline feature on Mr. and Mrs. Gupta’s seats experienced a glitch, the manual recline function remained operational during the flight from Hyderabad to Singapore.

Regrettably, due to a fully occupied flight, SIA staff were unable to arrange alternative seating within the business class cabin. However, the airline asserts that its crew diligently monitored the couple’s comfort throughout the journey, offering to manually adjust the seats as needed.

Airlines

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.

Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.

Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.

Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.

Airlines

Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft

In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.

This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.

With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.

Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.

Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.

Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.

With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.