Red Arrows make history with sustainable fuels London flypast

A spectacular world-first flypast using a combination of more environmentally-friendly fuels has been performed by the Red Arrows over London for King Charles.
Jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team were powered with a high-ratio blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to provide the exciting finale at the Trooping of the Colour event.
The flypast is also thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that a national aerobatic squadron has switched to both a SAF blend for propulsion and a renewable biofuel – known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) – to produce its distinctive trademark vapour trails.
The team has never before flown with the sustainable fuels at a public event and follows ground-breaking trials by RAF engineers and logisticians.
In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, the move demonstrates the RAF’s commitment to new technology as well as becoming more energy-secure and less reliant on fossil fuels.
Squadron Leader Andy King, the Red Arrows’ senior engineering officer and who led the pioneering fuels project, said: “Ever since the Red Arrows’ first display in 1965, the team has aimed to inspire future generations and represent the best of British – using this technology is the latest example of our relentless pursuit of excellence.
“The flypast for His Majesty The King is the perfect opportunity to showcase this innovation, on an important occasion enjoyed by so many people and in front of a big, global audience.”