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

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.