UK govt to deliver world’s first net-zero flight in 2023
Will PayneThe world’s first net-zero emissions transatlantic flight could be delivered as early as next year, according to transport secretary Grant Shapps.
The flight, powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), is expected to take off in 2023. Shapps announced the ambitious project during his visit to the USm where he met with airline executives and invited the aviation sector to work closely with the UK government to deliver the demonstrator flight.
Estimates suggest a UK sustainable aviation fuel industry could support up to 5,200 UK jobs directly, as well as a further 13,600 through global exports. The industry estimates its annual turnover could reach £2.3bn by 2040.
The new initiative has come out of the Jet Zero council, a partnership between industry and government which aims to deliver new technologies and "innovative ways" to cut aviation emissions while supporting the UK economy.
SAF, which is made from materials such as household waste and used cooking oil, offers greenhouse gas emissions savings of more than 70% compared to conventional fossil jet fuel (when fully replacing kerosene). When combined with greenhouse gas removals, 100% SAF will enable the delivery of a net-zero flight.
Shapps said the "trailblazing" flight will demonstrate the "vital role" sustainable aviation fuel can play in decarbonising aviation in line with the government’s ambitious net-zero targets.
"That’s not just great news for the environment, it’s great news for passengers who will be able to visit the Big Apple without increasing damaging greenhouse gas emissions," he added.
"It’s crucial that we place sustainability at the heart of the aviation industry’s recovery from Covid-19, and I look forward to working with it on this challenge, which will lower the impact flying across the Atlantic has on the planet."
Current jet fuel specifications do not allow flights to use 100% SAF, meaning SAF use needs to be complemented by additional decarbonisation measures to be fully net-zero.
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