Emirates Airlines has announced that it has become the first airline in the world to operate a test flight of an Airbus A380 using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). According to a statement from Emirates, the aircraft departed from Dubai International Airport operating one of its four engines with SAF to test performance and demonstrate the potential of this fuel type as a direct alternative that meets the technical and chemical specifications of conventional aviation fuel. Research indicates that SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional aviation fuel.
The test flights pave the way for standardizing specifications and measures for 100% SAF, with the aim of adopting it in future aviation as governments adopt broader strategies to support and expand its production. The A380's test flight confirms the performance and compatibility of SAF, establishing it as a safe and reliable fuel. It also contributes to the growing research within the industry to evaluate the beneficial impacts of 100% SAF on aircraft performance. Currently, the approved maximum for using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel in commercial aircraft engines is 50% with conventional fuel.
The 100% SAF used in the flight consists of renewable aromatic compounds and closely mimics the properties of traditional aviation fuel. This marks the first time SAF has been used to operate an A380, with complete compatibility expected across the aircraft's existing systems. Four tons of SAF were loaded onto the aircraft.
