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☆ Flying taxis are closer than ever to reality. The booming industry needs to overcome infrastructure hurdles.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

One expert said eVTOLs fly at low altitudes and could create airspace and security challenges. The US's first electric vertical-takeoff and -landing aircraft are expected to fly commercial passengers as soon as 2025. It still needs further approvals to fly for airlines like United, but the latest certificate puts it one step closer. Archer's Midnight aircraft are typically shorter range, with the Midnight flying up to 100 miles on one charge. Joby plans to use the four urban vertiports as a citywide commercial eVTOL air link around Dubai.

Persons: eVTOLs, —, Archer, Bryan Bernhard, Bernhard, Archer's, Pete Syme, Henry Harteveldt, Joby, Rani Plaut, Harteveldt, Bernard, Archer Aviation's, Archer Aviation Bernhard Organizations: Infrastructure, Service, Royal Aeronautical Society, American Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, US Air Force, JPMorgan, Newark Liberty International, O'Hare International, Archer, Midnight, Joby Aviation, FAA, NASA, Joby, Air, Delta Air Lines, Federal Aviation, Archer Aviation Locations: Manhattan, New Jersey, Chicago's, Henry, Dubai, Japan, New York City, San Francisco, Washington, London, Paris

☆ Hundreds of older Virgin Atlantic cabin crew say they were unfairly dismissed during the pandemic
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewVirgin Atlantic is being sued by more than 200 former cabin crew, claiming the airline unfairly targeted older staff for dismissals during the pandemic, The Guardian reported. Virgin Atlantic also retired its Boeing 747 jumbo jets a year early and closed its base at London Gatwick Airport as it tried to avoid bankruptcy. Related storiesIn its 2021 annual report, Virgin Atlantic said it rehired 99 pilots and 724 cabin crew from the holding pool, "something we had committed to doing as soon as possible in the reorganization of 2020." About 150 workers are reportedly being represented by the Cabin Crew Union, another 51 by a law firm, and a further 11 elsewhere. "I was flabbergasted that I wasn't in the holding pool," she added.

Persons: —, Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic, Susan Mcentegart Organizations: Service, Guardian, Virgin Atlantic, Boeing, Gatwick Airport, Business, Virgin Locations: London

☆ U.S. FAA delaying start of new air traffic control rest requirements
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A350-1000 aircraft seen taxiing in front of the air traffic control tower at London Heathrow airport in U.K. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday it is delaying requiring air traffic controllers to get 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before a midnight shift. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said on April 19 the new rules would take effect in 90 days. FAA Air Traffic Organization Chief Operating Officer Timothy Arel said the timetable will be delayed as the agency holds discussions with the controllers' union with the hope "to have a joint agreement and understanding on new rest periods to allow for joint development of a strategy for implementing" the 2025 schedule "or sooner where feasible."

Persons: Mike Whitaker, Timothy Arel Organizations: Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus, U.S . Federal Aviation Administration, FAA Air Traffic Organization Locations: London

☆ Richard Branson shares the simple mindset that's key to his success: 'I don't ever think of myself as a businessperson'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Tom Huddleston Jr. | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Richard Branson doesn't think of himself as a businessman — and he believes that helped him build Virgin Group into what it is today. "I don't ever think of myself as a businessperson, or even really an entrepreneur," Branson tells CNBC Make It. "I just see myself as somebody that loves to create things that I can be proud of." "There's many things that we've done that we wouldn't have done if we'd listened to accountants," says Branson. Perhaps ironically, the strategy has proved lucrative for Branson, whose current net worth is estimated at $2.5 billion, according to Forbes.

Persons: Richard Branson doesn't, —, Branson, we'd Organizations: Virgin Group, CNBC, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Galactic, Branson, Forbes Locations: Branson

☆ Richard Branson says money isn't a good way to measure success: Focus on this 1 word instead, it's 'all that really matters'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Tom Huddleston Jr. | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Richard Branson doesn't want to be defined by his money. Specifically, he finds it "quite insulting" when he is introduced as "the billionaire Richard Branson," rather than as the co-founder of Virgin Group, he tells CNBC Make It. "Maybe in America, 'billionaire' is a sign of success, but that rankles me," says Branson. "Your reputation is [whether] your team of people who work with you are proud of what they've created," Branson says. Financial success has often followed, but Branson is adamant that money has never been his chief motivating force.

Persons: Richard Branson doesn't, Richard Branson, Forbes —, they've, Branson, — Organizations: Virgin Group, CNBC, Branson, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Mobile Locations: America, Branson, Vietnam

☆ Richard Branson says this decision helped build his $2.5B net worth: 'I don't think I would have gone to space' otherwise
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Tom Huddleston Jr. | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

He's referring to selling record label Virgin Records to Thorn EMI for nearly $1 billion in 1992. Branson needed the money to focus on a newer venture, Virgin Atlantic. CNBC Make It: How did you make the decision to sell Virgin Records? What I decided was: If I sold Virgin Records, all the people's jobs would be secure. I could then use that money to build and protect Virgin Atlantic.

Persons: Richard Branson, He's, —, Branson, Richard, Virgin, We'd, Janet Jackson Organizations: CNBC, Virgin Records, Thorn EMI, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Virgin Group, Forbes, Virgin Locations: London, Branson

Bilt, the company that awards points when you pay rent, adds Alaska Airlines as a transfer partner. However, Bilt will lose American Airlines as a points transfer partner in June 2024. Noteworthy Alaska Airlines partners include oneworld alliance partners American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and Qatar. In addition to Alaska Airlines, Bilt partners with American Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Avianca, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Air France-KLM, Hawaiian AIrlines, Iberia, IHG, Marriott, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and Hyatt. Bilt and American Airlines will part ways in June, three years after their partnership initially began.

Persons: Bilt, — Organizations: Alaska Airlines, Alaska Airlines cardholders, American Airlines, Service, oneworld, British Airways, Cathay, Japan Airlines, Qantas, luxe, Air, Singapore Airlines, Mastercard, Aer Lingus, Air France, KLM, Hawaiian AIrlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Hyatt Locations: Alaska, Cathay Pacific, Qatar, Air Canada, Emirates, Air, Iberia, IHG, Marriott

☆ Why Day Flight to Europe Is Better Transatlantic Option Over Red-Eye
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I recently took a day flight from New York to London to see if it helps jet lag. However, until last week, I had exclusively taken overnight flights — known as red-eye flights — when flying eastbound across the Atlantic. They depart in the morning in the US and land in the evening on the same day in Europe. Curious about how the daytime flight compared to a red-eye, I specifically booked a morning departure for my recent trip from New York to London. Because I was up at 4 a.m. in New York to catch the morning flight, I figured I'd be tired enough to sleep.

Persons: —, I've, ., Taylor Rains, John F Organizations: Service, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Norse Atlantic Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, British Airways Boeing, New, Kennedy International Airport, London Heathrow, Google, JFK, Heathrow Locations: New York, London, New York City, Europe

☆ Every Sky Miles member on a Delta flight got a free Virgin Voyages cruise, courtesy of Richard Branson himself
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Delta passengers received a free Virgin Voyages cruise from San Juan on a recent flight. The free Caribbean voyage was offered to all adult Sky Miles members aboard the flight. Branson and Virgin staff members surprise passengers at the gate. A Virgin Voyages cruise is worth the priceGetting a free Virgin Voyages sailing is truly like winning a golden ticket. A snapshot from the author's Virgin Voyages cruise.

Persons: Richard Branson, Sky Miles, —, they'd, Cruise, Willy Wonka, Branson, CHRIS, San Juan —, Joey Hadden Organizations: Sky, Service, Virgin, Delta, Jackson Atlanta International Airport, DELTA AIRLINES, Sky Miles, Virgin Staff, Virgin Voyages, BI Locations: San Juan, Atlanta, Caribbean, Hartsfield

☆ 2 passenger planes hit over 800 mph on recent flights due to strong winds. That's over 200 mph more than a typical plane ride.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

On Saturday, a Virgin Atlantic plane and a United Airlines plane reached speeds over 800 mph. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . High-altitude winds over the Mid-Atlantic helped the planes surpass speeds of 800 mph, The Washington Post reported. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Virgin, United Airlines, Service, Atlantic, Washington Post, Business Locations: London, Newark , New Jersey, Lisbon

☆ Your next plane ride could be powered by used cooking oil. Here's how a refinery in Singapore is already helping to make it happen.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Sponsor Post | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Sustainable aviation fuel is an alternative to fossil-based jet fuel made from refining used cooking oil and waste animal fats. Further expansion efforts happening at Neste's renewable refinery in The Netherlands are anticipated to boost capacity to a whopping 2.2 million tons by 2026. The results indicated the company's readiness to incorporate renewable fuel into its fuel mix. The Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA), comprising 14 member airlines, including Singapore Airlines, pledged to use up to 5% SAF by 2030. In 2024, Singapore plans to launch the Singapore Sustainable Hub Blueprint, aiming to bolster the market for SAF.

Persons: Kris LeBoutillier, he's, Sami Jauhiainen, Jauhiainen, Neste Organizations: SAF, Virgin, Neste, Aviation, Renewable Aviation, Research, ASTM, Jauhiainen, Innovation, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Air France, KLM, All Nippon Airways, The Association of Asia, Pacific Airlines, Insider Studios, Singapore Economic Development Board Locations: Finland, Singapore, Asia, London, New York City, Emirates, Tuas, Buffalo, Netherlands, Changi, Neste

☆ I paid $1,100 to upgrade my flight to first class. It was great, but a few drawbacks made me hesitant to splurge again.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Emma Kershaw | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I spent $1,100 to fly upper class with Virgin Atlantic from Manchester to New York. I thought the Virgin Atlantic aircraft would benefit from more storage space. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . On the outbound journey, it was $1,100 to fly upper class, which is the airline's version of first class. The Virgin Atlantic upper-class tickets I've seen usually cost considerably more — I've seen them as pricey as $8,000 — so I snapped up the deal.

Persons: — Organizations: Virgin Atlantic, Service, Virgin, Business Locations: Manchester, New York, England, New York City

Find the Chase Sapphire Lounge post-security in JFK's Terminal 4, open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review and other best credit cards for airport lounge access. Access the Chase Sapphire Lounge JFKLocation and hoursThe Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways is located in Terminal 4, post-security on the mezzanine level above Gate A2. Chase also operates Sapphire Lounges in Hong Kong, Boston and New York's LaGuardia, as well as a scaled-down Chase Sapphire Terrace in Austin. Our Chase Sapphire Lounge guide reviews these locations, lists future planned locations, and tells you how to get into each lounge for free.

Persons: Chase, —, John F, Angela Sun, Chris Dong Here's, cardholders, Sapphire Burger, Lamb, — Chase, Joe Coffee, LaGuardia, You'll Organizations: JFK's, Etihad Airways, JFK, Etihad, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Service, The Club, Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia, JPMorgan Chase Art, Chase Sapphire, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, American, Chase Chase, Sapphire, New York's LaGuardia, Chase, Passengers, romesco, New, TSA, FDIC Locations: JFK, New York, Abu Dhabi, Aeromexico, Air India, China, LATAM, U.S, Hong Kong, Boston, Austin, New York City

☆ A fellow pilot told Boeing jet that its tire popped off before takeoff: 'It just rolled off the runway behind you'
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

"Delta 982, this is the aircraft looking at you," the pilot of Delta Flight 1783, who was taxiing directly behind Flight 982, said in the audio obtained by CNN. "Hey, thanks for that," the pilot of Flight 982 responded to the fellow pilot before alerting air traffic control, according to CNN. The Delta Spokesperson said that all 172 passengers were taken off the plane and transferred to another aircraft. The plane's wheel was replaced and put back into service the next day, the Delta spokesperson added. AdvertisementBoeing stopped delivering 757 models in 2004, a Boeing spokesperson told BI.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business, Delta Air Lines, Boeing, CNN, Delta, Aviation Administration, FAA, Alaska Airlines, Max, Virgin Locations: Atlanta, Alaska

☆ Passenger Spots Missing Bolts on Virgin Atlantic Flight, Canceled
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The flight was canceled "to provide time for precautionary additional engineering maintenance checks," a Virgin Atlantic representative told Business Insider in a statement. AdvertisementThe missing bolts were not a safety concern, experts sayA Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330 flies over London in December 2022. "We'd like to apologize to our customers for the delay to their journeys," Virgin Atlantic told BI in a statement, and confirmed the plane is now back in service following an inspection. While not a safety issue, the recent Virgin Atlantic flight cancellation is not the first problem the airline has faced this year. On January 7, a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330 traveling from Manchester to Barbados made an emergency landing after the smell of smoke filled the cockpit, The Independent reported.

Persons: —, Phil Hardy, John F, Hardy, Robert Smith, Neil Firth, Mathieu Lewis, Rolland, Getty Organizations: Service, Kennedy, Virgin Atlantic, New York Post, Business, Airbus, Kennedy News Agency, The Independent, Virgin Atlantic Airbus, Getty, Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Airlines Boeing, Max, National Transportation Safety Board, An Alaska Airlines, Portland International Airport, US Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Independent Locations: Manchester, England, New York City, NYC, London, Portland , Oregon, Ontario , California, Barbados

☆ The low-key cofounder of OnlyFans has joined an airline startup
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Jyoti Mann | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A cofounder of OnlyFans, Tom Stokely, has joined an airline startup as a director, filings show. Now he's part of Global Airlines, which will operate commercial flights on Airbus A380s this year. Stokely joined British startup Global Airlines after keeping a low profile since he sold the subscription site. Stokely set up OnlyFans, which is known mostly for its adult content, in 2016 with his brother, Tim. AdvertisementThe former banker met Global Airlines founder James Asquith last year , The Telegraph reported.

Persons: Tom Stokely, Stokely's, —, Stokely, Laurent, Perrier Champagne, Tim, Leo Radvinsky, James Asquith Organizations: Global Airlines, Airbus, Service, Fenix International, The Telegraph, British Airways, Virgin Locations: British, Ukrainian, American, Stokely, London, New York

☆ Here's why Warren Buffett calls airline stocks hazardous to your investment health
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Yun Li | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

With a midair emergency, disappointing profit forecast and more aircraft groundings after only two weeks, the airline industry is already off to a turbulent 2024. "It's a labor intensive, capital intensive, largely commodity-type business," Buffett said during the annual meeting of Berkshire shareholders in 2013. Selling airlines In 2020, Buffett revealed that Berkshire sold all of its equity holdings in the U.S. airline industry. That included stakes worth a combined $4 billion in all four legacy carriers — United Airlines , American Airlines , Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines . And I don't know how it's changed and I hope it corrects itself in a reasonably prompt way," Buffett said then.

Persons: Warren Buffett, Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway, That's, he's, I've, Charlie Munger, it's, Donald Trump, ’ Buffett, Kitty Hawk, Orville, Richard Branson Organizations: Berkshire, U.S, — United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Buffett, U.S . Global JETS ETF, JETS, Chicago Cubs, CNBC, Virgin Atlantic Airways Locations: Omaha, NetJets

☆ My family and I upgraded to business-class flights by bidding. We saved over $1,700.
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Noor Anand Chawla | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

After having a great experience, we hoped to once again score upper-class tickets on the same route. For our return flight, the minimum bid was 47,000 rupees ($560) per ticket. Adding 1,000 rupees ($12) to the minimum bid each way, my husband decided to give it a shot. AdvertisementForty-eight hours before our scheduled departure, Virgin Atlantic emailed us that our bid for upper-class tickets had been accepted. However, since there's no guarantee of winning the bid, we'll always look for a good deal on business-class tickets first.

Persons: —, Noor Anand Chawla, Anand Chawla, aloo, we'll Organizations: Service, Virgin, Virgin Atlantic's, Virgin Atlantic, Somerset Locations: New Delhi, London

☆ Will guilt-free long-haul flights ever be possible? Here’s what we know
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Jacopo Prisco | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, is a type of alternative jet fuel that can curb carbon emissions by up to 80%. The main reason for the slow adoption is that it’s still more expensive – between 1.5 to 6 times pricier than regular jet fuel. Boeing is not out of the race either, but doesn’t see a hydrogen long-haul plane as around the corner. On medium- and long-haul flights, we don’t see it as a direct source of propulsion until 2040. We would need to see magnitude-order changes [in batteries] for us to consider those for long-haul flights.

Persons: ”, Gary Crichlow, Gökçin Çınar, Ryan Faucett, Alexandre Doumenjou, Andreas Schäfer, Britten, “, Artemis, that’s, Boeing’s Faucett, “ You’re, Schäfer Organizations: CNN — Aviation, Boeing, “, Aviation Environment Federation, SAF, Airbus, University of Michigan, CNN, Virgin Atlantic, University College London, Cranfield Aerospace, Norman, Engineers, NASA, Critchlow Locations: London, Bangkok, New York, California, ZeroAvia

☆ The Bank of America Preferred Rewards program can get you bonus credit card rewards, waived fees, and more — here's how to qualify
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Holly Johnson | Tessa Campbell | Freelance Writer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +38 min

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now lock icon An icon in the shape of lock. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now lock icon An icon in the shape of lock. Insider’s Take The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is worth considering if you're looking for a no-annual-fee cash-back credit card that lets you choose your highest rewards category. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." How to earn more credit card rewards by joining Bank of America Preferred RewardsAt this point, you're probably wondering how much more you'll earn in rewards by becoming a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.

Persons: you’ve, takeout, Wells, We're, Merrill, Susan G Organizations: Business Insider, Alaska Airlines Visa, Virgin Atlantic, Mastercard, Bank of America, of America, ® Wells, Chase, Bank of America's, Vehicle, Cable, Services, Bank of America Travel Center, TSA, Travel Insurance, Komen, Rewards Bank of America, Business, Mobile Banking, Cash, Travel, Merrill, Bank, America, Merrill Guided

☆ 10 best ways to use Chase points for travel
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Jennifer Yellin | Andrew Kunesh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +23 min

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards are currently offering 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. These cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points which are some of the most valuable and flexible travel rewards points out there. But before you apply, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel. Best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards pointsYou can book KLM business class by transferring Chase points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue. Use the Chase Travel portal to book any flightBook flights on any airline with the Chase Travel portal.

Persons: , you’ve, Air Canada Aeroplan, Chase, Kyle Olsen, —, Holly Johnson, Ziva, Eliyahu Parypa, that’s, that’ll, You’ll, you’ll, United Chase, MileagePlus, Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, it’s, you’re Organizations: CNN, American Express, Chase Sapphire, Chase, Hyatt, United MileagePlus, Air Canada, Chase Travel, KLM, Air France, Blue, CNN, United Airlines, Aer Lingus AerClub Air Canada Aeroplan Air France, KLM Flying Blue British Airways Executive Club Emirates, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Rapid, United, Virgin Atlantic Flying, redemptions, you’ll, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, Images British Airways, Oneworld, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways Executive Club, British Airways Executive, Miami . British Airways, British, Air Canada's, Air, Star Alliance, Minneapolis . Air, Midwest, Singapore Airlines ’, Aloha State, Iberia Airlines, Iberia Avios, Sapphire, Virgin Points, All Nippon Airways, All Nippon Airways One, Virgin Atlantic, ANA, Virgin, Virgin Atlantic Virgin Points Delta Air, Virgin Atlantic Virgin, Delta Air Lines, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Ink Locations: United, Japan, Iberia, Mexico, Bay, Jamaica, Cancun, Chicago, New York, United States, Caribbean, Washington, American, Alaska, Atlanta, Miami, Minneapolis, Minneapolis . Air Canada, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Hawaii, East, Aeroplan, United Airlines, iStockphoto Hawaii, Los Angeles, Kona, Spain, Europe, United Kingdom, Madrid, Barcelona, Boston, Iberia Iberia, San Francisco, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Rome, Paris, Delta

☆ I saved $200 on flights by traveling on Christmas Eve last year. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Erin Mcdowell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Last year on Christmas Eve, I flew from Boston to Paris with my family of four. I don't regret celebrating Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in a nontraditional way. Darren McCollester/GettyWe found the cheapest flights from Boston to Paris if we booked them for Christmas Eve. According to a 2023 study from the flight-search site CheapAir.com, Christmas Eve is the best-priced departure date for the holiday season. At first, I was disappointed to miss out on our usual Christmas Eve celebrationsThe author stands in front of a Christmas tree at home; the Champs-Élysées in Paris decorated for Christmas.

Persons: —, I've, shirk, Darren McCollester, Getty, Erin McDowell Organizations: Service, Virgin Atlantic, Airport Locations: Boston, Paris, Boston's

☆ First long-haul flight fully powered by sustainable aviation fuel takes off
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Flight100, Virgin Atlantic's world first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) transatlantic flight by a commercial airline is fuelled ahead of its take off from London Heathrow to New York JFK on Tuesday 28 November 2023. LONDON — The first trans-Atlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel departed London for New York on Tuesday as the industry seeks to prove the viability of greener air travel. Sustainable aviation fuel — also known as SAF — is an umbrella term for non-fossil-derived fuels, including biofuels derived from plant or animal materials, municipal waste and agricultural residues. It still produces emissions, but proponents argue the overall "lifecycle emissions" from the fuel are significantly lower than from regular petroleum-based fuel. There are relatively few SAF production plants or companies transporting it globally, with incentives for producers hampered by low margins.

Persons: Shai Weiss Organizations: Aviation Fuel, SAF, New York JFK, LONDON, New York, Virgin Atlantic's Boeing, AirBP, Virgin, U.K, Civil Aviation Authority, Royal Society, Virgin Atlantic, Government Locations: London Heathrow, New York, London, New

It follows the successful transatlantic crossing by a Gulfstream G600 business jet using the same fuel last week. SAF is key toward reducing those emissions, but it is costly and accounts for less than 0.1% of total global jet fuel in use today. The fuel used to power Tuesday's flight is mostly made from used cooking oil and waste animal fat mixed with a small amount of synthetic aromatic kerosene made from waste corn, Virgin Atlantic said. Yet the 2030 target looks challenging given SAF's small volumes and its high cost, right now about three to five times as much as regular jet fuel. Virgin said the engines on the flight would be drained of SAF and tested before it returns to service using regular fuel.

Persons: Virgin, Richard Branson, Shai Weiss, Mark Harper, John F, Magdalena Heuwieser, Sarah Young, Joanna Plucinska, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Boeing, Royce, Trent, Gulfstream G600, London Heathrow, Kennedy International Airport, Virgin, SAF, Boeing, BP, Aviation, British Airways, Air France, Union, Thomson Locations: London, New York, Dubai

☆ The first commercial transatlantic flight powered completely by green fuels is in the air, but critics say it's a gimmick and a joke
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Pete Syme | Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Virgin Atlantic is operating the first transatlantic flight on a commercial airliner powered by 100% SAF. But it costs more than double conventional jet fuel, and production is lagging behind demand. Virgin Atlantic is operating the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to New York's JFK Airport, where it's expected to arrive around 2 p.m. "And if we didn't prove it can be done, you would never, ever get sustainable aviation fuel." On Monday, Emirates flew the world's first Airbus A380 demonstration flight using 100% SAF.

Persons: it's, Shai Weiss, Sir Richard Branson, There's, Weiss, Critics, Cait Hewitt Organizations: Virgin, SAF, Service, Virgin Atlantic, Boeing, New York's JFK, International Air Transport Association, BBC, Aviation Environment Federation, CNN, Guardian, UK's Department for Transport, Monday, Emirates, Airbus, Gulfstream, Gulfstream G600 Locations: New, Georgia, England

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