HOLLY BOYD-BOLAND

VP CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, VIRGIN ATLANTIC

SAF as the key decarbonisation solution

For a long-haul-only airline like Virgin Atlantic, SAF is the most promising decarbonisation solution. Its recent landmark net zero transatlantic flight using 100% SAF signifies a significant step towards cleaner flying.

Challenges and milestones in SAF adoption

The journey to achieving the airline’s target of 10% SAF by 2030 faces many technical, regulatory, and supply challenges. VA has supported SAF for many years; in the past year itself, it has announced multiple partnerships. These include an agreement with Neste and ExxonMobil to supply SAF at London Heathrow as well as a huge agreement to purchase 70m US gallons of SAF from Gevo in partnership with Delta Air Lines.

Importance of industry leadership and partnerships

Promoting SAF supply requires regulatory support and concerted efforts across the aviation industry. For the historic transatlantic flight to take place, the airline put together a consortium with six partners – Boeing, RollsRoyce, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, ICF and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) – and formed up to seven working groups.

Supporting diverse pathways and technologies in SAF production

Boyd-Boland emphasises the airline’s industry leadership in this sphere – VA was the first airline to operate a flight on biofuel way back in 2008, in partnership with Lanzatech. They have also partnered with innovative carbon capture startups, such as Air Company, to reflect the airline's diversified SAF procurement portfolio.

Corporate SAF programme

Virgin Atlantic launched a SAF programme in 2022 to help its corporate customers manage their emissions. The programme uses internal data modelling to estimate carbon footprint and enables corporate customers to purchase SAF. This has helped VA fully cover the additional expenses for its SAF commitments last year and build further momentum for its demand.