A new first in sustainable aviation has been achieved, with the first trans-Atlantic passenger flight powered by sustainable aviation furls being completed, operated by Virgin Atlantic, travelling from London to New York.

The Boeing 787 used a mix of fuel that was 88% derived from waste fats and 12% waste from corn production (in the USA). While the flight was a one-off, with no paying passengers, it still represents a milestone in the decarbonisation of aviation, with as much as 70% of greenhouse gas emissions reduced. BP, the University of Sheffield and Rolls-Royce were involved in the project, which was given special approval by UK regulator the Civil Aviation Authority. Supply of sufficient quantities of sustainable aviation fuel is one roadblock to the wider rollout of such flights; price will likely be another, and regulation (which current typically only allows a 50% blend of SAF) one more.

Other technologies, such as hydrogen, synthetic fuels and electrification are expected to be required to decarbonise the aviation industry more widely.