A partnership of aviation specialists launched the world's first in-flight emissions study using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for a widebody passenger aircraft. Airbus, the German research center DLR, Rolls-Royce and SAF manufacturer Neste join forces in the groundbreaking Emission and Climate Impact of Alternative Fuels (ECLIF3) project, looking at the effects of 100% SAF on aircraft emissions and performance.

The findings of the study, which will be conducted on the ground and in the air with an Airbus A350-900 powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, will support the efforts Airbus and Rolls-Royce are currently making to ensure that the aviation industry is ready for the widespread use of SAF as part of the broader initiative to decarbonise the industry.

Recently, tests for fuel purification engines have started at Airbus in Toulouse, France, including a maiden flight to verify the operational compatibility of the use of 100% SAF with the aircraft systems. These will be followed by the flight emission tests starting in April and resuming in the autumn. A Falcon 20-E from DLR will be used to measure the emission impact when using SAF. Meanwhile, on-the-ground testing is underway, examining particulate matter emissions to measure the environmental impact of SAF use on airport operations. 

Both the flight and soil tests will compare the emissions from the use of 100% SAF, produced with HEFA technology (hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids, hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids) with those of fossil kerosene and low sulfur fossil kerosene. The SAF is provided by Neste, a world-leading supplier of sustainable aviation fuel. Additional measurements and analyzes for the characterization of the particulate matter emissions during the soil tests will be provided by the University of Manchester (UK) and the National Research Council of Canada. Neste reports this on them website.

Jonathan Wood, Neste's Vice President Europe, Renewable Aviation, said: “We are delighted to be contributing to this project to measure the great benefits of SAF over fossil jet fuels as well as to provide the data that will enhance the use of SAF in higher concentrations beyond 50%. An independently verified analysis has shown that 100% Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel leads to 80% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil jet fuel, when all emissions during the life cycle are taken into account. This study will clarify the additional benefits of SAF. ”

Also read: Neste helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions