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.

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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.

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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

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.