New Study into In-Flight SAF Use Reveals Early Promise

(Biofuels International) Initial findings from a study of the impact of 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on both engines of a commercial jet have provided promising early results, Neste has reported.

The Emission and Climate Impact of Alternative Fuels (ECLIF3) study involving Airbus, Rolls-Royce, German research centre DLR and Neste, marked the first time 100% SAF has been measured simultaneously on both engines of a commercial passenger aircraft – an Airbus A350 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

In-flight emissions tests and associated ground testing on the ECLIF3 programme began earlier this year and have recently resumed.

The interdisciplinary team, which also includes researchers from the National Research Council of Canada and The University of Manchester, plans to publish its results towards the end of next year and in 2023.

Findings from the study will support efforts currently underway at Airbus and Rolls-Royce to ensure the aviation sector is ready for the large-scale use of SAF as part of the wider initiative to decarbonise the industry.

In April 2021, the A350 flew three flights over the Mediterranean Sea pursued by a DLR Falcon chaser plane to compare in-flight emissions of both kerosene and Neste’s hydro-processed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) sustainable fuel. The team also carried out compliance tests using 100% SAF and no operational issues were experienced during these initial test flights. READ MORE