Bakkafrost onboard historic transatlantic flight
29.11.2023
November 29th 2023, Glyvrar, Faroe Islands
Yesterday, Bakkafrost, a leading producer of superior quality salmon, proudly participated in the world’s first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flight across the Atlantic by a commercial airline.
In collaboration with Virgin Atlantic and Kuehne+Nagel, the milestone flight is set to be a major talking point in aviation history and marks a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of eco-friendly aviation solutions.
“We are committed to being a sustainable business in every sense and with the increasing focus on sustainable exports and airfreight across the world, this SAF approach is an important development for the future,” remarked Regin Jacobsen, CEO at Bakkafrost.
“The way we transport our salmon around the globe has got to match the expectations of our customers and we believe that this inaugural flight is a forward-thinking approach to the world’s environmental issues. We are very proud and delighted to have a shipment of our salmon on board,” Annika Frederiksberg, board member and sales manager, stated after landing in New York.
Currently SAF represents less than 0.1% of jet fuel volumes and fuel standards only allow for a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines. The Virgin Atlantic flight yesterday demonstrated the potential of SAF as a 100% drop-in replacement for the fossil fuels being used today.
Bakkafrost has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030. Earlier this year, Bakkafrost launched a new investment plan detailing the company’s intention to allocate 355 million DKK to energy transition.
About SAF fuel:
SAF can be produced from non-petroleum-based renewable feedstocks including, but not limited to, the food and yard waste portion of municipal solid waste, woody biomass, fats/greases/oils, and other feedstocks
About Bakkafrost:
Bakkafrost is a leading producer of superior quality salmon, committed to sustainable aquaculture practices and delivering premium seafood products globally. With a dedication to environmental responsibility, innovation and excellence, Bakkafrost continues to pioneer new frontiers in the seafood industry.
About Virgin Atlantic:
Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2023, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the seventh year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs more than 7,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 30 destinations across four continents throughout the year.
Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies and has reduced its absolute carbon emissions by 35% over the last decade. In October 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed the first of 16 A330-900neos to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2027. In November 2023, Virgin Atlantic is leading an industry consortium to deliver the first 100% SAF flight across the transatlantic. Demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is an industry imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialisation ahead of 2030.
For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.