Rolls-Royce flies engine on 100 per cent SAF

The aircraft flew for just under four hours from Tucson airport in Arizona, passing over New Mexico and Texas, with a Trent 1000 engine running on SAF. The remaining three RB211 engines ran on standard jet fuel and initial indications from Rolls-Royce confirm there were no engineering issues.

Validation of the latest test adds to ground-and-air tests carried out on Trent XWB and Pearl engines.

Simon Burr, Rolls-Royce, director Product Development and Technology – Civil Aerospace, said: “We believe in air travel as a force for cultural good, but we also recognise the need to take action to decarbonise our industry. This flight is another example of collaboration across the value chain to make sure all the aircraft technology solutions are in place to enable a smooth introduction of 100 per cent SAF into our industry.”

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The flight was carried out in collaboration with Boeing, which provided technical support and oversight on aircraft modifications and assurance the aircraft systems would operate as expected with 100 per cent SAF. World Energy, the world’s first commercial-scale SAF production company, provided the low-carbon fuel for the flight.