Aerospace manufacturers and airlines alike are are pushing for more sustainable operations. Sustainable Aviation Fuel Commonly known as SAF is being introduced into aircraft of all sizes, reducing their carbon footprint. Airbus and Virgin Atlantic to name a few, are making historic advancements in SAF implementation. One segment gaining traction with SAF flights is the corporate aviation market. Gulfstream Aerospace recently broke records on November 19, 2023 crossing the Atlantic using a 100% SAF fueled G600 jet.
Breaking Records
The Gulfstream Aerospace G600 jet departed their headquarters in Savannah Georgia and landed 6 hours, 56 minutes later at Farnborough Airport in England. Powered by two Prat & Whitney PW815GA engines, 100% SAF fuel was fed into the engines throughout the entire flight. According to Prat & Whitney (NYSE: RTX), the SAF fuel contains 100% Hydro processed Esters and Fatty Acids (neat HEFA), which has at least 70% lower lifecycle CO2emissions than fossil-based jet fuel. On the flight data was collected to aid Gulfstream and their suppliers to see compatibility with alternative renewable fuels like SAF on extended flight durations and cold temperatures. The research will help make air travel more sustainable in the not so distant future.
