Virgin Atlantic's groundbreaking flight, fueled entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), has departed from London Heathrow to New York JFK today. This marks the culmination of a year of intensive collaboration aimed at showcasing SAF's capability as a secure substitute for traditional fossil-derived jet fuel. SAF is compatible with current engines, airframes, and fuel infrastructure. Playing a crucial role in decarbonizing long-haul aviation and the path to Net Zero 2050, SAF, derived from waste products, achieves up to a 70% reduction in CO2 lifecycle emissions while maintaining the performance of traditional jet fuel. Unlike electric and hydrogen technologies, SAF is a present-day solution, representing less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes. Current fuel standards permit only a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines. The Flight100 initiative aims to demonstrate that the challenge lies in policy and investment to scale up production swiftly, urging both industry and government to foster a thriving UK SAF industry. In addition to proving SAF's capabilities, Flight100 will evaluate its impact on non-carbon emissions with support from consortium partners ICF, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Imperial College London, and the University of Sheffield. This research aims to enhance scientific understanding of SAF's effects on contrails and particulates, contributing to the implementation of contrail forecasts in flight planning. The gathered data and research will be shared with the industry, and Virgin Atlantic will continue its involvement in contrail work through RMI's Climate Impact Task Force. The SAF used in Flight100 is a unique dual blend, comprising 88% HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) supplied by AirBP and 12% SAK (Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene) supplied by Virent, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. HEFA is derived from waste fats, while SAK is produced from plant sugars, with the remaining components continuing into the food chain. To achieve Net Zero 2050, comprehensive innovation and investment across various feedstocks and technologies are necessary to maximize SAF volumes and continue developing new zero-emission aircraft. Virgin Atlantic, committed to finding sustainable aviation solutions, operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets globally. Flight100 builds on the airline's 15-year track record of leading SAF development at scale. The broader industry and government collaboration is essential to establish a UK SAF industry and meet aviation's 10% SAF by 2030 target, generating significant social and economic benefits. Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, emphasized the importance of regulatory certainty and price support mechanisms, backed by the government, to attract the necessary investment for scaling up SAF production. The success of Flight100 illustrates the viability of SAF, urging continued efforts for a sustainable future in aviation. Virgin Atlantic's founder, Sir Richard Branson, highlighted the spirit of innovation driving the airline's commitment to challenging the status quo since 1984. He expressed pride in being part of Flight100, which symbolizes the airline's ongoing dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainability in aviation. Transport Secretary Mark Harper acknowledged the historic significance of the flight, powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel, showcasing the potential to decarbonize transport while allowing passengers to continue flying. The UK government supports the emerging SAF industry for its job creation, economic growth, and progress toward Jet Zero. Sheila Remes, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability at Boeing, recognized the achievement as a significant step toward their commitment to deliver 100% SAF-compatible airplanes by 2030. Boeing's collaboration with Virgin Atlantic dates back to the first commercial SAF test flight in 2008. Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology & Safety at Rolls-Royce plc, expressed pride in their Trent 1000 engines powering the historic flight. Rolls-Royce has completed compatibility testing of 100% SAF on all in-production civil aero engine types, emphasizing the absence of engine technology barriers to using SAF. The flight represents a major milestone for the aviation industry's journey towards net-zero carbon emissions.