Green fuel’s role in the future of aviation

The first transatlantic flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), made from sources like crops, household waste and cooking oil, highlights its potential use in a greener aviation industry

PROJECTED ANNUAL AVIATION CO2 EMISSIONS BY 2050 (million tonnes, Mt)*
 
Nov 28, 2023: Virgin Atlantic
Boeing 787 flies from London to New York, fuelled by 100% SAF

Emissions if nothing is done

Emissions with applied innovations

Remaining emissions: 705 Mt

Reduction of CO2 from using electric/hydrogen aircraft: 80 Mt
                         
2,285 Mt
                  
Reduction from fuel efficiency gains: 975 Mt

Reduction from use of SAF fuels: 525 Mt
        
SAF still generates CO2 but emissions can be up to 70% lower, depending on production methods 

SAF cannot be made in large enough quantities to completely replace aviation fuel

Sources: BBC, Bloomberg, BP
*Most optimistic forecast
Picture: Virgin Atlantic
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