Shares in Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LSE:RR.) were airborne in early trade after it was confirmed the jet engine maker had completed a crucial engine test using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ahead of a maiden flight using the green technology later this month.
The FTSE 100-listed engineering giant has been developing its UltraFan demonstrator engine for a decade, aiming to create a system fully powered by SAF.
This fuel, derived from sources like agricultural waste and used cooking oil, can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to standard jet fuel.
Currently, SAF is blended with kerosene, but the goal is to eliminate the need for fossil fuels in aviation.
In a groundbreaking move, Virgin Atlantic, founded by Sir Richard Branson, is preparing for the world's first transatlantic flight using 100% SAF.
This flight, scheduled for 28 November, will transport passengers from Heathrow to New York's JFK airport on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, following approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
At 8.34 am, Rolls shares were changing hands for 235.75p, up 1.6%.