With so much aerospace industry attention focused on ways to attain net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, it was inevitable that something of a race would ensue to carry off the first 100% SAF-fueled transatlantic flight. Companies like Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce have thrown their respective hats into the ring, but the prize has been won by a Gulfstream business jet powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines.

SAF is designed to cut aviation carbon emissions by using sources that rely much less on fossil fuels – and this doesn’t just mean secondhand chip pan oil. These sources include maize; seed oils; algae; animal fats, oils, greases; farm residues; forestry residues; wood mill residues; liquid and solid municipal wastes; and crops grown for energy use.

According to Gulfstream, SAF has the potential to reduce net carbon emissions by 70% and also to reduce sulfur emissions. The data from the November 19, 2023 transatlantic flight will be used to not only persuade the US FAA to make 100% SAF legal for general use, but also to improve the fuel to further reduce emissions and to improve performance under cold temperatures for extended flights.

“Gulfstream is innovating for a sustainable future,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “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.”

Source: Gulfstream