Later this year, Virgin Atlantic will conduct the world’s first net zero transatlantic flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). If all goes well, it could set the stage for much cleaner flying by the end of this decade.

In this episode, we talk to Holly-Boyd Boland, Virgin Atlantic’s VP Corporate Development and Sustainability. She shares how Virgin Atlantic is preparing to conduct the historic flight with its partners and the existing regulatory and technical challenges with procuring, producing and using SAF. 

We’ll also learn about the importance of studying the impact of contrails on the climate; the potential of carbon capture technology; Virgin Atlantic's corporate SAF programme; their in-flight sustainability initiatives and much more.

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Sheila Remes, Boeing’s Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, who shared how the airframer is collaborating with industry stakeholders – such as Virgin Atlantic – to move aviation towards its 2050 net zero goal. Check it out here.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

[2008] Boeing, Virgin Atlantic and GE Aviation to Fly First Commercial Jet on Biofuel - Boeing Newsroom 

World’s first net zero transatlantic flight to fly from London in 2023 - GOV.UK 

Virgin Atlantic purchases 10 million gallons of SAF from Gevo - Biofuels International Magazine 

Virgin Group plans to use low-carbon fuel made from plastic waste - The Independent 

Airlines and others collaborate to study contrails - Travel Weekly 

Protecting our planet - Virgin Atlantic 

Reducing, reusing and recycling - Virgin Atlantic 

Virgin Atlantic launches corporate SAF programme - Business Travel News Europe  

Boeing’s Sheila Remes in conversation with Shashank Nigam - SimpliFlying