The Boeing 747 operated by Virgin Atlantic Airways flew from London to Amsterdam with one of its four engines using fuel derived from plant-based oils.
The fuel used by the plane is a combination of regular kerosene-based jet fuel and a biodiesel from Imperium Renewables composed of babassu oil and coconut oil. Babassu comes from a tree in Brazil.The oils came from existing plantations.
Addressing the media before the flight took off, the President of Virgin Atlantic, Sir Richard Branson, said no modifications were made to either the aircraft or the engines for the flight to be operated.
The results of the flight will be shared with other airlines seeking to cut carbon emissions in the rest of the industry.