EgyptAir operates world’s longest sustainable flight

The biofuel-powered Dreamliner flew more than 10,000 kilometres from Seattle to Cairo

EgyptAir operated the world's longest biofuel powered flight. Courtesy Boeing

EgyptAir’s newest aircraft, powered solely by sustainable aviation fuel, was delivered to its headquarters in Cairo this week.

The Boeing 787-9 flew from Seattle to the Egyptian capital, a distance of 10,973 kilometres. It was powered by biofuel to become the world’s longest sustainable flight.

The 13-hour flight was billed as a way for EgyptAir to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. The Dreamliner is one of the world’s most fuel-efficient aircraft and the national carrier of Egypt operates the aircraft on long-haul routes.

“We are committed to the sustainable growth of our airline and supporting commercial aviation’s efforts to protect the environment,” said Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO at EgyptAir.

The Egyptian airline is the first operator to use Boeing’s new sustainable fuel delivery programme that gives airlines the option to pick biofuel for aircraft delivery flights. Sustainable aviation fuels have been shown to help reduce aircraft CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent.

The Dreamliner was the fifth delivery of six aircraft due to be received by EgyptAir as part of a long-term agreement with Irish aircraft leasing company AerCap.

Aengus Kelly, chief executive of AerCap said: “The 787 Dreamliner is a perfect choice for EgyptAir, allowing the airline to reduce fuel use and emissions by up to 25 percent while meeting its sustainable growth ambitions.”

The biofuel used to power the Dreamliner was created from agricultural waste. It was made in California by World Energy, the first facility designed to manufacture renewable jet fuel on a commercial scale.