Virgin Atlantic airline made the first transatlantic flight without the use of fossil fuels. They used a mixture called sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), consisting of sugars and fats.
The flight, which left London, United Kingdom and landed in New York, United States, produced 70% less carbon compared to what would have been emitted if petroleum-based fuel had been used.
In 2022, the aviation industry was responsible for 2% of global CO2 emissions. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane gas and nitrous oxide, contribute to the greenhouse effect, a phenomenon that keeps the planet’s temperature at habitable levels.
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However, an overconcentration of it due to anthropogenic activities (such as aviation) causes too much heat to be retained, causing global temperatures to rise.
Although a milestone, the flight operated by Virgin Atlantic was a one-off demonstration as the airline will not offer it on a regular basis.
The SAF market remains small, but the European Union, for example, requires by law that airlines use a percentage of the biofuel in their aircraft. The legislation foresees a gradual growth in its use and will force companies to make 70% of their fuels sustainable.
For example, KLM & Air France, a European airline, operates flights from Europe to South America, including Ecuador, with a percentage of SAF on its aircraft. (JO)
Source: Eluniverso
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