A350 SAF boost for decarbonised long-haul air travel

News

Efforts to decarbonise long-haul air travel have been boosted by a study of the impact of 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on both engines of a commercial jet.

The Emission and Climate Impact of Alternative Fuels (ECLIF3) study, an effort involving Airbus, Rolls-Royce, German research centre DLR and Finnish SAF producer Neste, marks the first time 100 per cent SAF has been measured simultaneously on both engines of a commercial passenger aircraft – an Airbus A350 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

According to Airbus, in-flight emissions tests and associated ground testing on the ECLIF3 programme began earlier this year and have recently resumed. The interdisciplinary team, including researchers from the National Research Council of Canada and Manchester University, will publish its results in academic journals towards the end of next year and 2023.

Airbus and Rolls-Royce support the drive to certify 100 per cent SAF use, which is currently restricted to aircraft operating on a 50 per cent blend of SAF and conventional jet fuel. Findings from the study will support efforts at both companies to ensure a transition to large-scale use of SAF as part of wider decarbonisation initiatives within the industry.

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