To raise awareness of cleaner fuels in aviation Heathrow Airport launched renewable biofuel Fly UP breakfasts.
Launched last month, these breakfasts aim to raise consumer knowledge of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel).
BIOFUEL BREAKFASTS AT HEATHROW
The Heathrow Fly Up was created in partnership with Chef Heston Blumenthal to create awareness of SAF.
Moreover, the processed oils used to produce Fly Up breakfasts will be used to produce SAF when the oils are discarded.
Fly Up breakfasts are available at The Perfectionist’s Café located at Heathrow’s new Terminal Two.
“This is an exciting partnership that we are thrilled to be part of. The ‘Fly Up’ is made up of the best of British ingredients – a breakfast we’re proud of, and even more so as it signifies a positive step towards a more sustainable future for air travel.”
Carlos Santos, Head Chef at The Perfectionists’ Cafe said
RAISING BIOFUEL AWARENESS AT HEATHROW
A survey carried out by Heathrow showed that only 14 percent of travellers had heard of SAF. This is despite the fact it will play a key role in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.
According to a media statement, 63 percent of respondents would choose to travel more sustainably if they could.
Yet, only nine in 10 flyers are unaware of the purpose of SAF – one of the most important factors in reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
The aim is that this will become more commonplace as people learn about the benefits of SAF.
ALSO READ: Asking passengers to contribute to SAF: Does it work?
TRANSFORMING COOKING OIL TO BIOFUEL
Heathrow works with a waste management service Quatra to collect, clean and recycle the used cooking oils from the Fly Up breakfast.
After collection, the cooking oils and fats undergo treatment and purification to remove organic impurities and water.
The processed used oil is then forwarded to Quatra’s partners. Then it is transformed into biofuels including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
CARBON EMISSIONS TARGETS
In the UK aviation sector’s latest net-zero roadmap, SAF is the single biggest innovation that will help it reach its Net Zero target by 2050.
The launch of the Fly Up comes as new research reveals only one quarter (27 percent) of the UK believe SAF will make the aviation industry more sustainable.
“We are delighted to partner with Heston Blumenthal’s The Perfectionists’ Café to introduce the ‘Fly Up’, a breakfast that not only gives passengers a delicious start to the day but will raise awareness about SAF and its potential to transform this industry. By demonstrating how cooking oils can be converted into biofuels, we want people to understand how SAF is a real solution to decarbonise aviation and show how we’re continuing our mission to get to Net Zero by 2050.”
Matt Gorman, Director of Carbon at Heathrow
COLLABORATING WITH UNITED AIRLINES
London Heathrow worked specifically with United Airlines on this project. This is owing to United’s prominence in the field of SAF investment, development and usage.
“At United, we are committed to our goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and believe SAF is the nearest term and most promising solution to decarbonise aviation. United became the first airline globally to use a SAF blend in regular operations and we endeavour to increase its availability and usage by looking beyond existing solutions and investing in future potential research, production and technology solutions associated with SAF. We are an airline that recognises the responsibility we have to help solve climate change and welcome Heathrow’s ‘Fly Up’ to raise awareness of SAF.”
Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales U.K. and Ireland at United Airlines
HEATHROW AIRPORT
Heathrow is Europe’s largest airport. It has reclaimed a spot as one of the top 5 largest airports in the world and second largest for international travellers.
The airport is home to more than 80 airlines and is Britain’s most valuable cargo port. Heathrow helps to drive British trade growth by connecting the nation to more than 200 destinations around the world.
Furthermore, Heathrow was recently ranked as ‘Best Airport in Europe’ at the Business Traveller Awards 2023.
