Secretary of State for Transport announced plans for a net zero transatlantic flight while in US.

Transport Secretary pledges to deliver world’s first transatlantic flight fuelled purely by environmentally friendly aviation fuel by the end of next year.

This test flight will be supported by up to £1 million of competition funding and will increase understanding of commercial flights using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). During a speech to industry leaders in the US, the Transport Secretary challenged the sector to deliver the net zero emissions flight between the UK and America, with the wider SAF industry potentially creating over 5,000 UK jobs

It is hoped that the world’s first net-zero emissions transatlantic flight could be delivered by the UK government and industry as early as next year, ushering in a new era of guilt-free flying in the coming decades.The pioneering flight, on an aircraft powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel, is expected to take off in 2023.

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, said:

“This trailblazing net zero emissions flight, a world first, will demonstrate the vital role that sustainable aviation fuel can play in decarbonising aviation in line with our ambitious net zero targets.”

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:

“UK airlines strongly support the development of a UK SAF industry, which will play a vital role in helping our sector deliver net zero emissions by 2050, as we are committed to doing.”