Gulfstream has successfully completed the world’s first trans-Atlantic flight fuelled with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines, the G600 aircraft departed the company’s Savannah headquarters on 19 November and landed just under seven hours later at Farnborough Airport in the UK.
Marking a first for the sector and underpinning the role that business aviation has to play in leading the way for decarbonising the sector, the flight underpins the potential for aviation’s future use of renewable fuels, which feature lower carbon, sulfur and aromatics. Commenting on how the broad use of SAF in place of fossil-based jet fuel is key to reaching aviation’s long-term decarbonisation goals, Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream said: “The completion of this world-class flight helps to advance business aviation’s overarching sustainability mission and creates a positive environmental impact for future generations.”
The SAF provided for the flight was produced by World Energy and delivered by World Fuel Services. It comprised of 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (neat HEFA) which has at least 70% lower lifecycle CO2 emissions than traditional fossil-based fuel. Additionally, the zero added aromatics fuel has a reduced impact on local air quality and very low sulfur content, which can reduce non-CO2 environmental impacts.
The flight also reinforced the need for stakeholders to work collaboratively in meeting aviation’s decarbonisation goals, with Honeywell, Safran and Eaton also helping to make the flight a success. Data gathered from the flight will help Gulfstream and its partners gauge aircraft compatibility with future low-aromatic fuels, particularly under cold temperatures and for extended flight durations.
“We’d like to thank all our partners or their help in making this milestone flight happen, and for their ongoing partnership in collaborating with the extended SAF community to champion the aviation industry’s path to 100% SAF usage,” concluded Burns.
