First transatlantic flight using 100% green fuels to take off

A flight powered only by alternative fuels is due to take off on Tuesday morning. 

Operated by Virgin Atlantic, it will leave London’s Heathrow and arrive at New York’s JFK airport at 11:30 GMT. 

Airlines see the flight, which is supported by government funding, as demonstrating that a greener way of flying is possible. 

But a lack of supply remains a challenge, while other technology will be needed to hit emissions targets.

So-called sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) can be made from a variety of sources, including crops, household waste and cooking oils.

For this flight, a Boeing 787 will be filled with 50 tonnes of SAF. Two types are being used, with 88% derived from waste fats and the rest from the wastes of corn production in the US.