Airlines UK comment on Virgin Atlantic 100% SAF transatlantic flight

November 28th, 2023

Commenting on the operation by Virgin Atlantic of the world’s first commercial Transatlantic flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, said:

“This is a hugely important milestone in the race to net zero for UK aviation and our congratulations go to the Virgin Atlantic team and their partners, together with the UK Government, for making it happen.

 

“We now need to make occasions like this the new normal, ensuring UK airlines are able to access enough affordable SAF this decade in order to meet the mandate, with as much of it as possible produced here in the UK. The last thing we want is higher fuel costs for UK passengers compared to the rest of Europe and the US, with worse sustainability outcomes and thousands of new jobs lost overseas. 

 

“That’s why we need support for the transition to SAF, including bringing the cost further into line with jet fuel, and a revenue certainty mechanism – underwritten by Government – forming part of the next Budget, with a commitment to legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.”