Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
04 October 2018 08:21
Front view of aircraft in flight. The passenger plane flies high above the clouds.
The world's first commercial jet part-powered by a new form of biofuel touches down in London on Wednesday (3rd October).
The Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 uses a biofuel that blends conventional jet fuel with bioethanol made from industrial waste gases - a fuel that could revolutionise air travel.
Sir Richard Branson, the airline's founder, said that in an age when long-haul travel is more important than ever in connecting people around the world it is the airlines' responsibility to ensure they are doing so in the most sustainable way possible.
Sir Richard was even planning to be on hand at London Gatwick to celebrate the occasion, guiding the aircraft back to the stand after it touched down following its long-haul flight from Orlando, Florida.
Fuel demand
The firm that produces the fuel blend, LanzaTech, believes it has the potential to meet around a fifth of the current commercial global aviation fuel demand.
It says it delivers a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of "at least 65%" compared with conventional petroleum fuel.
Virgin Atlantic is calling on the Government to commit to supporting LanzaTech's bid to open three UK plants by 2025, producing up to 125 million gallons of "sustainable fuel" per year.
Drastic reduction
Sir Richard said: "Working with LanzaTech will enable us to drastically reduce our carbon emissions and at the same time help support UK industry.
"That's why we're so excited to showcase this fuel on its first commercial flight as we plan for the world's first full-scale jet fuel plant using this amazing new technology."
LanzaTech chief executive Jennifer Holmgren said: "We have shown that recycling waste carbon emissions into jet fuel is not impossible, that waste carbon needs to be thought as an opportunity not a liability, that carbon can be reused over and over again."
If you're planning a trip across the Atlantic to Florida, check out our dedicated Florida travel insurance and give yourself peace of mind the next time you hit the Sunshine State.
19 February 2019
Hundreds of passengers have had their travel plans cancelled following the collapse of airline flybmi.
[more...]
16 February 2019
Holidaymakers were left fuming after a "lack of clarity" over Brexit led a Romanian airline to cancel flights from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.
15 February 2019
British Airways celebrated Valentine's Day with a special flight where all members of the cabin crew were couples who work for the airline.
14 February 2019
The "concerning" level of stigma surrounding the human papilloma virus (HPV) could be putting some women off going for vital check-ups, campaigners are warning.
13 February 2019
Older people living with depression should be given better access to community activities and therapy instead of being prescribed antidepressants, researchers have urged.
12 February 2019
The Government has been criticised for failing to act on warnings about the link between processed meats and cancer, by the scientist who co-authored the original advice.
09 February 2019
A grandfather who has battled three types of cancer is cycling from Twickenham to Tokyo in time for the Rugby World Cup - all in aid of charity.
08 February 2019
Lovers of traditional fish and chips are embracing a more health-conscious version of their favourite food, a new study suggests.
07 February 2019
Two thirds of UK adults don't know they're able to lower their risk of developing dementia, new research has shown.
06 February 2019
More than 600 people a day are quitting their jobs to care for relatives, a charity has warned.
05 February 2019
Millennials in the US face an increasing risk of developing an obesity-related cancer, a new study has revealed.
02 February 2019
More than 100 people sought refuge at a pub high on Bodmin Moor overnight after heavy snowfall hit the A30, leading many stranded motorists to abandon their cars.