Emirates Operates World’s First 100% SAF-powered A380 Flight
Sustainable fuel used in one Engine Alliance GP7200 engine, while conventional jet fuel in the other three engines.
Emirates has been officially recognized as the world's inaugural airline to conduct a demonstration flight of its A380 aircraft using exclusively 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), according to a statement.[1]
Commanded by Captain Khalid Binsultan and Captain Philippe Lombet, the milestone flight took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB), making a profound statement about the viability and eco-friendly potential of SAF.
The noteworthy aspect of this flight was the operation of one of the A380's four engines entirely on SAF, spotlighting its capability as a sustainable alternative that adheres to the technical and chemical requisites of conventional jet fuel.
This groundbreaking demonstration aligns seamlessly with the ongoing Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai.
Collaborators from Airbus, Engine Alliance, Pratt & Whitney, Neste, Virent, and ENOC have played pivotal roles in conducting tests, technical assessments, and data analysis for this historic flight.
This move follows Emirates' completion of the first 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight in the region earlier this year, utilizing a GE90-powered Boeing 777-300ER.
In a subsequent move towards sustainable aviation practices, Emirates initiated flights last month operating with SAF supplied by Shell Aviation.
Shell provided 315,000 gallons of blended SAF for use at Dubai International Airport, marking yet another significant stride in the airline's commitment to environmental stewardship.