Embraer and Pratt & Whitney have successfully tested a GTF-powered E195-E2 aircraft on 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The test, with one engine running on 100 per cent SAF, validated that GTF engines and the E-Jets E2 family can fly on both engines with blends of up to 100 per cent SAF without any compromise to safety or performance.
The aircraft completed two days of ground tests at Fort Lauderdale International Airport, culminating in a 70-minute flight test at Vero Beach Regional Airport in Florida.
85 per cent emissions reduction
“The E2 is already the most efficient single aisle aircraft flying today, saving up to 25 per cent CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. This reduction in emissions can be increased up to an impressive 85 per cent with 100 per cent SAF. Replacement of older aircraft by new generation products and scaling up SAF production are the two most effective actions commercial aviation can take now to achieve a significant reduction in emissions,” said Rodrigo Silva e Souza, vice president strategy and sustainability, Embraer Commercial Aviation.
“Embraer and Pratt & Whitney are leading the industry with products that are more efficient for our customers and more sustainable for our society. This test demonstrates that the E2 is ready for 100 per cent SAF certification and operation once the industry finalises standards.”
‘GTF engines can operate on any fuel’
All Pratt & Whitney engines and Embraer aircraft are currently certified to operate with SAF blended up to 50 per cent with standard Jet A/A1 kerosene.
“SAF is a core part of our sustainability road map, and we continue to work with industry partners and regulators to support the development of a drop-in standard for 100 per cent SAF,” said Graham Webb, chief sustainability officer at Pratt & Whitney.
“This test proves that GTF engines can operate on any fuel, and that the E-Jets E2 family is ready for 100% SAF certification once the industry finalises the standard for unblended SAF.”
The SAF used by Embraer and Pratt & Whitney was 100 per cent Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosine (HEFA-SPK) acquired from World Energy.
