British Airways is the first airline in the world that, on September 14, 2021, operated the first passenger flight using recycled cooking oil. Flight BA1476 flew from London to Glasgow and produced 62% less carbon dioxide than a similar flight.
The airline said it was a combination of spent fuel - partly made from recycled cooking oil - with optimal flight routes, airport electric vehicles and using the latest aircraft, which have helped reduce emissions.
Although the 1 hour and 30 minute flight produced another 6.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the flight demonstrated the progress the aviation industry has made in its decarbonisation attempts. The flight was operated by an Airbus A320neo aircraft, painted with the new livery. The Airbus A320neo is the quietest and most fuel efficient in this Airbus family.
The NATS air traffic control service contributed to the efficiency of the flight. It provided a direct ascent and descent without detention time, and at London Heathrow Airport electric vehicles were used to push the aircraft to the ground.
"This flight provided a practical demonstration of the progress we are making in our journey to reduce carbon emissions. Working with our industry partners, we have achieved a 62% improvement in emissions reduction compared to a decade ago. ”, said Sean Doyle, Executive Director of British Airways.