Rolls-Royce Confirms All of Its Current Engines Can Run On 100 Percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Rolls-Royce has confirmed that its entire lineup of civil aero engines currently in production can run on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) after completing comprehensive compatibility testing. This achievement aligns with the company’s commitment to demonstrate that engine technology poses no barriers to utilizing 100 percent SAF. Through a series of ground and flight tests designed to replicate real-world operating conditions, Rolls-Royce has validated that the use of 100 percent SAF does not impact engine performance.

The test program concluded with a ground test of Rolls-Royce’s BR710 business jet engine at its Canadian facility. Other engines subjected to testing include the Trent 700, 800, 900, 1000, XWB-84, XWB-97, 7000, BR725, and Pearl 700, 15, and 10X.

Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO of Rolls-Royce, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “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 percent 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.”

Rolls-Royce has also ensured the sustainable operation of its new UltraFan engine demonstrator, which completed its maiden test run earlier this year using 100 percent SAF. In the upcoming month, Virgin Atlantic plans to conduct the first transatlantic flight using 100 percent SAF, with a Boeing 787 equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.

U.K. Transport Secretary Mark Harper praised the progress, saying, “The world’s journey to decarbonizing flight is powered by British innovation and backed by the U.K. government, meaning people can continue to travel how they want, in a way that’s fit for the future. [This] news demonstrates that Rolls-Royce and the U.K. are global leaders in decarbonizing transport, taking us one step closer to Jet Zero.”

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is gaining momentum as a promising solution to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in the aviation industry. It can seamlessly replace conventional jet fuel, making it an essential component in achieving net-zero flying by 2050. Rolls-Royce estimates that combining the latest, most efficient gas turbines with 100 percent SAF could contribute up to 80 percent of the overall solution for reaching this ambitious goal.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Rolls-Royce