The UK carrier has joined Air France KLM and Delta Air Lines, along with Boston Consulting Group, in founding the taskforce. Virgin made the announcement ahead of the Cop26 climate change conference in Glasgow.

Virgin Atlantic has already announced interim targets to reduce carbon emissions on the path to achieving “net zero” by 2050. Solutions to reduce emissions include increased use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) – Virgin has committed to using 10% SAF for its operations by 2030.

There are also medium-term technologies, such as synthetic fuel and direct air capture, that could help the sector reach its emissions reduction targets.

Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive Shai Weiss said: “We’re proud to be founding members of the Aviation Climate Taskforce. Working with industry partners to accelerate technological innovation and reduce carbon emissions over the next 30 years.

“We strongly echo the need for a portfolio approach and continued collaboration across the energy and aviation value chains.

“Through its focus on breakthrough technologies, the Aviation Climate Taskforce, will support near and medium-term innovations in emerging SAF pathways, as well as longer-term breakthroughs such as electric and hydrogen flight.”