THE first transatlantic flight by a large passenger plane, operated by Virgin Atlantic, was powered only by alternative fuels has landed in the US, reported BBC News.

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) can be made from household waste and cooking oils.

Operated by Virgin Atlantic, it flew from London's Heathrow to New York's JFK airport.

Airlines see the flight, from London's Heathrow to New York's JFK, which is supported by government funding, as demonstrating that a greener way of flying is possible.

But a lack of fuel supply remains a challenge, while other technology will be needed to hit emissions targets.

The flight was a one-off of its kind so far, and is not carrying fare-paying passengers.

The UK's ruling Conservative party's Henry Smith was on board and said that the flight was a "significant UK aviation achievement".

For this flight, a Boeing 787 was filled with 50 tonnes of SAF. Two types were used, with 88 per cent derived from waste fats and the rest from the wastes of corn production in the US.