Virgin Atlantic agrees sustainable aviation fuel supply with Neste and Exxonmobil

Virgin Atlantic Limited and Neste Oyi have announced that the supply of 2.5 million litres (2,000 metric tonnes) of neat Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), will be delivered during the first half of this year to Heathrow Airport. This supply will be a major step towards Virgin Atlantic’s goal of using 10% SAF by the end of the decade. The agreement forms part of a wider collaboration between Virgin Atlantic and Neste to increase availability and usage of SAF in the UK.

Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ is made from sustainably sourced, renewable waste and residue raw materials, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80% of life cycle, in comparison to regular jet fuel.

Virgin Atlantic and Neste have support from ExxonMobil, Virgin Atlantic’s main fuel provider at Heathrow Airport, who will offer their expertise in the supply and distribution of fuel to manage the delivery of SAF into the UK. 

With their track record as a sustainability leader for over 10 years, Virgin Atlantic is committed to achieving net zero by 2050. Currently, its entire fleet is twin-engine and 70% is next generation, so it is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient operators taking to the skies. A recent multi-billion-pound fleet renewal programme has already provided a 20% lowering of carbon emissions between 2007 and 2019.

This agreement is the first commercial supply of SAF for Virgin Atlantic, after its well-established commitment to using SAF and the operation of the first commercial aircraft using sustainable fuels in 2008.