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Virgin Atlantic made headlines with its first transatlantic flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiming to showcase the aviation industry's move towards low-carbon options. The flight, which traveled from London to New York, was carried out without paying passengers, featuring Virgin Atlantic's billionaire founder Richard Branson, CEO Shai Weiss, and Britain's Transport Minister Mark Harper among its select few on board.
However, not everyone is convinced. Cait Hewitt, Policy Director at the Aviation Environment Federation, has labeled the endeavor a \\"gimmick, not a game changer.\\" Speaking to CGTN Europe before the flight's departure, Hewitt expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of SAF, noting that \\"99.9% of aviation fuel is kerosene.\\" She pointed out that while alternative fuels like SAF hold promise, their current scalability and sustainability remain questionable.
Hewitt emphasized the need for more honest discussions regarding the future of sustainable aviation, suggesting that while the flight is a step in the right direction, it may not be the transformative solution the industry hopes it to be.
The flight, which traveled from London to New York, was carried out without paying passengers, featuring Virgin Atlantic's billionaire founder Richard Branson, CEO Shai Weiss, and Britain's Transport Minister Mark Harper among its select few on board.
