Aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls Royce has announced the successful completion of its 100% SAF testing on all its in-production civil aircraft engine types.
This followed a ground test on a BR710 engine at the company’s facility in Canada, which completed the test regime.
The Trent 700, Trent 800, Trent 900, Trent 1000, Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97, Trent 7000, BR725, Pearl 700, Pearl 15 and Pearl 10X engines were also evaluated as part of the initiative.
Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic emphasised how this pushes Rolls-Royce one step further towards its net zero goals.
Erginbilgic said: “Becoming the first jet engine manufacturer to publicly confirm all our in-production engines for long-haul aircraft and business jets are compatible with 100% SAF is an important milestone for both Rolls-Royce and the wider aviation industry.
“It's also further evidence of our commitment to becoming a net zero company by 2050 and supporting our customers to do the same."
According to Rolls-Royce, a combination of extremely efficient, latest-generation gas turbines working on 100% SAF is projected to provide roughly 80% of the complete solution to achieve net zero flying by 2050.
Although the international standards body, ASTM International, currently permits a maximum of up to 50% SAF blended with 50% conventional jet fuel, Rolls Royce stated this will provide further support for a pathway to 100% SAF-fueled flights.
UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasised support for the scheme from the UK Government.
Harper said: “The world’s journey to decarbonising flight is powered by British innovation and backed by the UK Government, meaning people can continue to travel how they want, in a way that’s fit for the future.
“Today’s news demonstrates that Rolls Royce and the UK are global leaders in decarbonising transport, taking us one step closer to Jet Zero.”
This announcement follows previous advancements by Rolls Royce in 100% SAF testing, which included the first run of its Ultra Fan engine demonstrator earlier this year.
Alongside this, Trent 1000 engines are set to power the Virgin Atlantic 787 Dreamliner on the world's first transatlantic 100% SAF flight.
