A European airline has become the first in the world to operate a passenger flight completely free of single-use plastic.

Aircraft leasing company Hi Fly made history with a series of four plastic-free flight trials, taking off from Lisbon, Portugal and landing in Natal, Brazil.

Everything from cups, dishes and butter pots to toothbrushes and sick bags were replaced with sustainable alternatives made from paper, bamboo and other compostable options.

Hi Fly president Paulo Mirpuri said the historic flight is a step towards achieving the airline’s goal to become the world’s first ‘plastics-free’ airline by the end of 2019.

“Over 100,000 flights take off each day around the world and, last year, commercial aircraft carried nearly four billion passengers,” he said.

“This number is expected to double again in less than 20 years. So, the potential to make a difference here is clearly enormous.

“We know, too, from the feedback we have received from client airlines and passengers, that it’s the right thing for the airline to be doing.”

The flights were chartered by tour operator Alto Astral, and more than 700 passengers took part in the trial journeys.

“Everyone at Alto Astral is excited to be involved in this adventure and we believe that future generations will thank those of us who have been prepared to stand up to try to make a difference now,” said Alto Astral director-general Pedro Ramos.

Find out what passengers thought of the trial below: