Virgin Atlantic CEO backs IATA's SAF strategy, calls it "only game in town"
Shai Weiss distanced himself from Breeze Airways CEO's criticism, and emphasised regulatory reality and the need for sustainable aviation.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss has thrown his support behind IATA chief Willie Walsh in the ongoing industry debate over Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), distancing himself from Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman's criticism of the alternative fuel strategy.
Battle of the skies
In a discussion with APEX CEO Dr Joe Leader at the APEX Global EXPO in Long Beach, California, Weiss was asked about the recent contentious exchange between Walsh and Neeleman at the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam. "I'm supporting Willie Walsh," Weiss declared. "David, I think, is fighting the fights of yesterday."
The debate has intensified following Neeleman's characterisation of SAF as "a complete waste of money" and his argument that the industry should instead focus on ground transport electrification. However, Weiss emphasised that regulatory reality, particularly in Europe, necessitates embracing SAF technology.
"In Europe, we've just accepted that there are mandates. We support those mandates," Weiss explained, noting the UK's parliamentary mandated requirement for 10% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.
"Faced with that reality, sustainable aviation fuel is the only game in town for long-haul aviation for the next two to three decades."
Virgin Atlantic’s outlook on SAF
Weiss highlighted Virgin Atlantic's pioneering role in SAF development, having operated the first 100% SAF-powered transatlantic flight on 28 November 2023. The flight demonstrated that existing technologies - engines, airframes, and fuel - can safely operate with SAF across the Atlantic.
However, he acknowledged significant challenges ahead, particularly regarding production scale:
"The problem is, who's going to make this fuel in the quantities that are required?"
While expressing optimism about meeting 2050 environmental targets, he admitted that 2030 goals would be more challenging to achieve.
Weiss called for stronger government support to advance SAF development, particularly in the UK: "They're investing with small amounts, and we have a running dialogue…because we want them to create a support mechanism for investors to come in and for producers so they can feel comfortable that when they manufacture this fuel, it will be sold at a viable price," he explained.
Weiss pointed to the success of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act in fostering SAF industry development, noting that it has "contributed quite a lot to the formation of a viable SAF industry in the United States."
Fleet of the future
The airline is also addressing environmental concerns through fleet modernisation. Virgin Atlantic operates the youngest fleet across the Atlantic, having invested billions in new aircraft. The carrier recently expanded its Airbus A330neo order from 14 to 19 aircraft, with the A330neo achieving the highest customer satisfaction scores in the fleet.
By 2027-28, the airline will operate a fleet of 19 A330neos, 12 A350s, and 14 Boeing 787s. Speaking about the environmental impact, Weiss noted their progress in CO2 reduction:
"Two years ago, for the previous decade, it was down 35%. Until the end of last year, it was down 25%. We will continue to reduce CO2 emissions."
Weiss acknowledged that SAF implementation will likely increase ticket prices but maintained this is necessary for the industry's future. "This is part of being able to travel freely around the world," he concluded.