Gulfstream is the first first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking a first for the business jet industry.
The test flight was carried out on a Gulfstream G650 in partnership with Rolls-Royce on BR725 engines, having taken off from the OEMs global headquarters in Savannah, Georgia. The fuel was supplied by World Energy and Wisonconsin-based Virent and consisted of two components: Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) produced from waste fat and plant oils, and Synthesised Aromatic Kerosene (SAK) made from plant -based sugars.
Commenting that leading the industry closer to decarbonisation is a long-standing priority for Gulfstream, Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream added: “Testing, evaluating and promoting new development in SAF takes us another step closer to that goal. We are grateful for our partnership with Rolls-Royce to be able to demonstrate yet another milestone in these efforts.”
Gulfstream’s sustainability goals include a 2% improvement in fuel-efficiency per year from 2010 to 2020; carbon-neutral growth from 2020 onward; and net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
“Gulfstream has long prioritised sustainable products and practices through innovations in aerodynamics, aircraft technologies, engineering, manufacturing and infrastructure, as well as in facilities operations and our investments in SAF research and development,” added Burns.
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce’s Chief Engineer – Business Aviation and Engineering Director, Dr Joerg Au, said: “SAF is essential for the decarbonisation of the skies, as they have the potential to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of aviation and we have already proved they can be used as a drop-in fuel to power existing engines. This flight test with Gulfstream is another proof point that demonstrates the compatibility of our engines with SAF, bringing us another important step closer to enabling our customers to achieve net zero carbon emissions.”
