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Though air travel represents just 3% of worldwide carbon emissions, the burning of aviation fossil fuels in the upper atmosphere contributes three times the damage to our environment, so the NFLAs have welcomed news that the first flight using low-carbon fuels has just touched down at New York’s JFK Airport after crossing the Atlantic from London Heathrow (28 November).
The Virgin Atlantic flight was powered by 100 per cent ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ (SAF) made from sustainable sources such as agricultural waste and used cooking oil. The flight took more than a year to obtain the necessary permissions from the Civil Aviation Authority, and preparatory tests including running its Rolls-Royce engines on 100 per cent SAF on the ground.
SAF reduces carbon emissions by 70 percent. Jet engines can burn a fuel mix of 50% kerosene and 50% SAF without the need for modifications. The Virgin flight had adapted engines solely burning SAF.
One downside for airline operators using SAF is that its production costs are several times that of traditional jet fuel and critics have said that there is insufficient land to support its production and the SAF can be employed more effectively to help sustain other forms of public transport; however, Cambridge University announced earlier this month that its researchers have developed a floating artificial leaf that turns sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into synthetic fuel. Academics believe that these revolutionary devices could be deployed on mass to produce net-zero fuel on an industrial scale to power transport, including airliners.
The NFLAs are more also excited about the prospects for domestic green air travel in the UK in 2024. In July, Ecotricity founder Dale Vince announced that he will establish a green airline early next year. Initially, Ecojet will operate aircraft carrying 19 passengers between Edinburgh and Southampton, and then seek licences to operate between other British cities. After 18-months, the operator plans to introduce 70-seater planes capable of flying to Europe.
To promptly secure slots and aircraft, Ecojet will be obliged to start up with aircraft operating using a kerosene-based fuel, but after a year the intention is to retrofit them with engines that convert green hydrogen into electricity. By repurposing the planes rather than building new models, an estimated 90,000 tons of carbon will be saved per year. To further reduce the operator’s carbon footprint, staff will wear environmentally friendly uniforms and serve plant-based meals.
Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Chair of the NFLAs, said of these developments: “It is astonishing how far aviation has come in the 120 years since the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers, but the expansion of business and leisure air travel has come at a tremendous cost to our environment.
“Although the NFLAs focus primarily on opposing nuclear power, we also support sustainable solutions for power, heat, transport, and industry in society. Though Sustainable Aviation Fuel in aviation is exciting, it is more likely that electric planes will be more practical for short-haul flights. In any case, we are now seeing welcome positive developments that will take us some way down the path of decarbonising transport to help secure a sustainable future for Britain. I shall look forward to taking my first Ecojet electric flight!”
Ends//: For more information contact NFLA Secretary Richard Outram by email to richard.outram@manchester.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
3. https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-news/2023/ecojet-dale-vince-launches-an-aviation-revolution
