On November 22, Emirates demonstrated the effective use of 100% SAF on one of its A380 aircraft.
With special livery for the demonstration that took off from Dubai, one of the aircraft’s four engines was powered by 100% SAF. This shows how SAF can match the technical and chemical make-up required for conventionally used jet fuel but also that it is a far more sustainable alternative that can reduce emissions by up to 85%.
Teams from Airbus, Engine Alliance (owned 50% by GE Aerospace), ENOC, Neste, Pratt & Whitney, and Virent collaborated to test and assess data for the flight.
“Emirates is the first passenger airline in the world to operate an A380 with 100% drop-in SAF powering one of four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines. This is another proud moment for Emirates and our partners, as we put words into action with the research into and the trialling of higher concentrations of SAF to eventually lead to industry adoption of 100% SAF flying,” said Adel Al Redha, COO of Emirates.
He said the demand for lower-emission jet fuel alternatives was there, but efforts to commercialise SAF and make it available would be critical for the wider industry to advance lower carbon emissions.
Aziz Koleilat, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Turkey at GE Aerospace, echoed the sentiment of Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM.
“Innovation and collaboration are the keys to reaching nett-zero carbon emissions by 2050 as this 100% SAF demonstration flight shows. GE Aerospace congratulates Emirates on this major achievement, and we are proud to be powering industry efforts toward a more sustainable future,” said Koleilat.
