Gulfstream Aerospace has successfully completed a transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a low-emissions fuel made from feedstocks.
On Nov. 19, 2023, the company’s Gulfstream G600 aircraft flew for nearly seven hours using the Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engine, from its headquarters in Savannah, Georgia to Farnborough Airport in England. Gulfstream explained that the flight will provide data for the company and its suppliers to gauge aircraft compatibility with renewable fuels, especially in lower temperatures common during longer flights.
According to the company, it is the first business jet original manufacturer to fly on 100% SAF.
The flight was powered by SAF made from hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids, produced by World Energy and delivered by World Fuel Services. The SAF has at least 70% lower lifecycle emissions than fossil-based jet fuels. Further, the fuel has zero added aromatics, allowing for reduced impact on local air quality and reduced sulfur content.
"Gulfstream is innovating for a sustainable future," said Gulfstream President Mark Burns. "One of the keys to reaching business aviation's long-term decarbonization goals is the broad use of SAF in place of fossil-based jet fuel. The completion of this world-class flight helps to advance business aviation's overarching sustainability mission and create positive environmental impacts for future generations."
Along with Gulfstream's recent achievement, Virgin Airlines has announced that it has received clearance for the first 100% SAF-powered flight to be done by a major commercial airline. This flight is expected to take place this week and will include the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which uses the Trent 1000 engine developed by Rolls Royce.
A number of airlines presently blend SAF with conventional jet fuels to reduce overall emissions caused by air travel. However, SAF reportedly accounts for less than 1% of jet fuel volumes overall. Some governments have established incentives to supplement growth of the SAF industry, such as the $1.2 million awarded to Virgin Airlines by the United Kingdom government to achieve the upcoming flight. The U.K. also aims to achieve net-zero aviation by 2050, with SAF playing a major role in these efforts.
The aviation industry has also been exploring electric and hydrogen-powered flight, but SAF has been identified as the leading decarbonization tool for the industry in the near future.
