Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce successfully run engine test with 100% SAF

In the UK, Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce confirmed the successful Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend ground test on the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine. The test marks a key milestone in the project which will see the world’s first 100% SAF flight travel across the Atlantic from London Heathrow to New York JFK on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, set to take off on November 28, 2023.

In addition to the test, fuel suppliers Air bp and Virent have been announced to supply the 60 metric tons of SAF to be used in the world first, supporting consortium research, testing and the flight itself. The SAF will be produced through the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway as well as synthetic aromatic kerosene (SAK) SAF at an 88% and 12% blend ratio.