Gulfstream, a leading business jet manufacturer, has successfully completed what it claims to be the world’s first trans-Atlantic flight utilizing 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The groundbreaking mission, accomplished on November 19, involved a Gulfstream G600 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines, both exclusively fueled by SAF. Departing from Savannah, the aircraft landed at Farnborough Airport in England after 6 hours and 56 minutes in the air.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing the aviation industry’s commitment to sustainable practices. The SAF, provided by World Energy and delivered by World Fuel Services, consisted of 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (neat HEFA), contributing to at least a 70% reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to fossil-based jet fuel. This substantial reduction aligns with the industry’s long-term decarbonization goals, emphasizing the importance of widespread SAF use.
Gulfstream’s President, Mark Burns, highlighted the company’s dedication to innovation for a sustainable future. The data gathered from this trans-Atlantic flight will aid Gulfstream and its partners in assessing aircraft compatibility with low-aromatic renewable fuels, particularly in challenging conditions such as cold temperatures during extended flight durations.
The collaboration with key suppliers, including Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, Safran, and Eaton, underscores the concerted effort to validate the compatibility of engines with unblended SAF. The achievement is part of Gulfstream’s broader sustainability mission, aiming to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact for future generations.
Anthony Rossi, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada, praised Gulfstream’s commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the importance of such missions in validating engine compatibility with SAF. Gulfstream’s role as a pioneer in flying on 100% SAF reinforces its position at the forefront of the industry’s sustainability efforts.
The SAF used in this historic flight not only aligns with Gulfstream’s commitment to sustainability but also positively contributes to environmental objectives by having lower carbon, sulfur, and aromatics. Gulfstream’s continuous efforts in the sustainable aviation space position it as a leader in driving the aviation industry toward the goal of 100% SAF usage.