Emirates has soared into the record books, becoming the first airline in the world to successfully operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This groundbreaking achievement, piloted by Captains Khalid Binsultan and Philippe Lombet, took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB), marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for aviation.
The flight showcased the potential of SAF as a viable replacement for conventional jet fuel while highlighting its ability to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Compared to traditional fuel, SAF offers up to an 85% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions, making it a crucial element in achieving net-zero emissions in the aviation industry.
This demonstration flight paves the way for further standardization and adoption of 100% SAF, paving the path for a future where it can be used for all commercial flights. The success of this initiative underscores the performance and reliability of SAF, proving its compatibility with existing aircraft systems and demonstrating its potential as a safe and sustainable alternative fuel.
“Emirates is the first passenger airline in the world to operate an A380 with 100% drop-in SAF powering one of four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines. This is another proud moment for Emirates and our partners, as we put words into action with the research into and the trialing of higher concentrations of SAF to eventually lead to industry adoption of 100% SAF flying. This marks another significant step in validating the use of SAF in one of the engines of the A380, a wide-body aircraft with four engines. The growing global demand for lower-emission jet fuel alternatives is there, and the work of producers and suppliers to commercialize SAF and make it available will be critical in the coming years to help Emirates and the wider industry advance our path to lower carbon emissions,” according to Adel Al Redha, Emirates Airline Chief Operating Officer.
The flight’s significance is further amplified by its timing, coinciding with the Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai. This international conference brings together industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss and advance the development and use of sustainable aviation fuels.
The 100% SAF used on this flight was a blend of HEFA-SPK (hydro-processed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene) provided by Neste and HDO-SAK (hydro-deoxygenated synthetic aromatic kerosene) from Virent. This drop-in SAF closely mimics the characteristics of conventional jet fuel, ensuring seamless integration with existing aircraft systems.
“Seeing Emirates flying an A380, the world’s largest airliner, powered by an engine running on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuels is a symbolic moment. These fuels are the most effective way to address CO2 emissions in the aviation industry today and that they are supported increasingly by the world’s leading airlines. SAF is vital to meeting the sector’s target of net-zero emissions in 2050, but needs the backing of the whole industry. At Airbus, we are working to make all our aircraft 100% SAF-capable by 2030. We’re also working with partners to grow the global SAF market in the coming years. Airbus’s purpose as a company is to pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. Through our partnership with Emirates, we’re matching ambition with action,” said Julie Kitcher, Airbus Executive Vice President of Communications and Corporate Affairs.
Emirates’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond this singular achievement. The airline has a long track record of pioneering initiatives in the realm of sustainable aviation. Earlier this year, they successfully conducted the first 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight in the region on a Boeing 777-300ER. Additionally, they have partnered with Shell Aviation and Neste to secure the supply of SAF for flights departing from Dubai, Amsterdam, and Singapore.
The airline’s active participation in industry working groups and government initiatives further underscores its dedication to scaling up the production and supply of SAF. Their contributions to the UAE’s Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap and National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap demonstrate their unwavering commitment to a greener future for aviation.
“Sustainable Aviation Fuel plays a crucial role in reducing the emissions of air travel, but to fully leverage its decarbonization potential we need to enable 100% SAF use. Test flights like this Emirates A380 flight using Neste’s SAF are an important step towards 100% SAF certification and we applaud Emirates for its efforts to help pave the way forward. Neste is working closely together with partners to accelerate the availability and use of SAF and we look forward to growing the supply of SAF also to Dubai,” said Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Commercial Management and Business Development from the Renewable Aviation business at Neste.
The successful 100% SAF A380 demonstration flight marks a turning point for the aviation industry. It is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Emirates, Airbus, Engine Alliance, Pratt & Whitney, Neste, Virent, and ENOC, who collectively paved the way for a more sustainable future for air travel. As the industry continues to embrace sustainable fuels like SAF, we can all look forward to a future where aviation can thrive while minimizing its environmental impact.