Emirates becomes world's first airline to utilize 100%
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in a flight
Emirates has achieved a groundbreaking milestone as the
world's first airline to conduct a demonstration flight utilizing 100%
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The historic flight, commanded by Captain
Khalid Binsultan and Captain Philippe Lombet, took off from Dubai International
Airport (DXB).
In this pioneering demonstration, one of the four engines of
the Emirates A380 aircraft was exclusively powered by SAF, showcasing its
potential as a direct replacement that meets the technical and chemical
requirements of traditional jet fuel while offering a more sustainable
alternative. SAF has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 85%*
throughout its life cycle when compared to conventional jet fuel.
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The timing of the Emirates A380 demonstration aligns with
the convergence of the aviation industry, international organizations,
regulatory bodies, and high-level officials in Dubai for the Third
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and
Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3). The collaborative effort involved key contributors
from Airbus, Engine Alliance, Pratt & Whitney, Neste, Virent, and ENOC, who
worked on testing, technical assessments, and data analysis for this
significant flight.
The drop-in SAF used in this demonstration, comprising
renewable aromatics, closely mimics the characteristics of conventional jet
fuel. Notably, this marks the first instance of drop-in SAF being used on an
A380 aircraft, with expectations of full compatibility across the existing
systems of the aircraft. The flight carried four tonnes of SAF, consisting of
HEFA-SPK provided by Neste and HDO-SAK from Virent.
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ENOC played a crucial role in securing the neat SAF and
blending it with Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAK) at its facility in Dubai
International Airport. The 100% SAF was employed in one Engine Alliance GP7200
engine, while the other three engines utilized conventional jet fuel. The PW980
auxiliary power unit (APU) from Pratt & Whitney Canada also ran on 100%
SAF.
Emirates Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha emphasized
the significance of this achievement, stating that Emirates is the first
passenger airline to operate an A380 with 100% drop-in SAF powering one of four
engines. Al Redha expressed pride in the collaboration with partners and
reiterated the importance of advancing the industry's adoption of 100% SAF
flying.
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Emirates has been at the forefront of sustainable aviation
efforts, having previously completed the first 100% SAF-powered demonstration
flight in the region on a GE90-powered Boeing 777-300ER. The airline recently
expanded its partnership with Neste for the supply of over 3 million gallons of
blended SAF in 2024 and 2025, demonstrating a commitment to lower carbon
emissions. Emirates continues to actively participate in industry and
government initiatives to scale the production and supply of SAF, contributing
to the development of sustainable aviation fuel roadmaps.
Source: Daily Pakistan