Flight International - 04

Environment Fuels
Emirates on 30 January flew a 777
with one engine using 100% SAF
Emirates
“Such an effort adds to the body of technical data
that will help us develop that substantiation for going
to 100% SAF,” Andac says.
One approach to producing 100% SAF is blending
multiple synthetic components from different SAF
development pathways. The Emirates ground test,
for example, used two SAF blending components –
one paraffinic and the other aromatic – to create a
Jet A/Jet A-1 equivalent drop-in fuel, Andac says. GE
found technical value in the demonstration, but the
test was also designed to demonstrate the viability
of SAF to the public.
5.5%
Projected EU fuel demand in 2030 that can be met by SAF,
according to International Council on Clean Transportation
On 30 January, Emirates got its SAF tests off the
ground, flying a 777 with one engine using 100% SAF.
“Such initiatives are critical contributors to industry
knowledge on SAF, and provide data to demonstrate
the use of higher blends of SAF for future regulatory
approvals,” says chief operating officer Adel Al Redha.
ASTM has been developing standards for 100%
drop-in SAF for two years. Andac estimates that it
will take another two years to complete the process,
while acknowledging that “many factors could impact
that schedule”.
The 100% drop-in SAF would also have to be compatible
with infrastructure, such as fuel storage and
hydrant systems, fuelling trucks, pipelines, barges and
rail cars – “anything that deals with fuel”, Andac says.
“In parallel, there are additional efforts the industry
is working on and we are heavily engaged in the
standardisation of some other components that
cannot be called Jet A/Jet A-1, but comes close to
it,” he says. “It’s not necessarily compatible with the
entire fleet and entire infrastructure.
“We don’t know whether that will be a practical
fuel in the field in the future, but there’s some interest
toward it, so that’s why it’s being evaluated by the
industry in general,” he adds.
ASTM has developed a draft standard and is acquiring
technical data to substantiate 100% drop-in SAF
as a “fit for purpose fuel”, Andac says. “This is very
important because from the qualification and certification
perspective, the main focus is safety, not sustainability:
is this a safe fuel that could be used in aviation
equipment? That’s why it needs to be data driven.”
Data review
A committee review of the data will be followed by
a review of fuel specifications. A balloting process
will then allow stakeholders – manufacturers, fuel
and equipment producers and other members of the
aviation community – to provide feedback or make
objections to the proposed standards.
“When that balloting process is completed favourably,
then you can issue the standard that defines that
fuel,” Andac says. “It will take time, but it’s for a good
reason. We need to take as much time as needed to
make sure these fuels are safe and fit for purpose.” ◗
“SAF tests are critical
contributors to industry
knowledge, and provide
data to demonstrate the
use of higher blends of
SAF for future approvals”
Adel Al Redha Chief operating officer, Emirates
62 Flight International April 2023