Virgin Atlantic announces SAF agreement with Neste, ExxonMobil
February 14, 2022
BY Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic is one step closer to its sustainable fuel target, thanks to an agreement with Neste Oyi to supply 2.5 million liters of neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which will be delivered in the first half of 2022 to London Heathrow.
The agreement forms part of a wider collaboration between Virgin Atlantic and Neste, the world’s leading provider of SAF, to increase the availability and use of SAF in the U.K.
Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is made from sustainably sourced, renewable waste and residue raw materials. In its neat form, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent of life cycle, compared to traditional fossil jet fuel.
Advertisement
Virgin Atlantic and Neste are working with ExxonMobil on this delivery of SAF into the U.K. ExxonMobil is already Virgin Atlantic’s largest fuel supplier at London Heathrow.
Virgin Atlantic has had a track record as a sustainability leader for more than a decade and is committed to achieving net zero by 2050. Right now, the whole of its fleet is twin engine aircraft – and 70 percent of those are next generation, making it one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies. This follows a multi-billion dollar fleet renewal program that has already delivered a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions between 2007 and 2019.
Advertisement
The agreement with Neste represents the first commercial supply of SAF for Virgin Atlantic, following its long-standing commitment to SAF and operation of the first commercial aircraft to use sustainable fuels in 2008.
Holly Boyd-Boland, VP Corporate Development, Virgin Atlantic said: “After fleet renewal, SAF represents the greatest opportunity to decarbonize aviation in the short to medium term. This supply is the beginning of commercial SAF at scale for Virgin Atlantic and whilst only enough to operate 140 flights between London and New York, it’s a starting point.
“To meet our 10 percent SAF target in 2030 we need to deliver this volume more than 70 times over, requiring cross industry and Government action to support commercialization of SAF at scale, particularly in the U.K. We will continue to work closely with Neste and ExxonMobil, as well as wider industry partners, to find innovative solutions to achieve this goal.”
Related Stories
Biodiesel capacity in the U.S. and Canada dipped slightly stable in 2024, with several renewable diesel producers reporting headwinds and lower margins alongside a drove of SAF projects in various stages of development.
The IEA’s Task 39 group has new research regarding the development and status of the sustainable aviation fuel industry.
The U.S. EPA on Nov. 16 released updated RIN data, reporting that nearly 2.11 billion RINs were generated under the RFS in October, up from 1.81 billion generated during the same month of last year.
Conestoga to host SAFFiRE cellulosic ethanol pilot plant
By SAFFiRE Renewables LLC
November 28, 2023
Conestoga Energy and SAFFiRE Renewables LLC announced on Nov. 16 their agreement for Conestoga to host SAFFiRE’s cellulosic ethanol pilot plant at Conestoga’s Arkalon Energy ethanol facility in Liberal, Kansas.
Officials at Calumet Specialty Products Partners L.P. discussed the company’s proposed plans to boost sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production at its Montana Renewables biorefinery during third quarter earnings call, held Nov. 9.
Upcoming Events
