The first time drop-in SAF was used on an A380 with full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing system © Emirates

Emirates successfully conducts 100% SAF-powered A380 demonstration flight

Emirates has become the inaugural airline globally to conduct an A380 demonstration flight powered entirely by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Commanded by Captain Khalid Binsultan and Captain Philippe Lombet, the flight took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) with one of its four engines exclusively fuelled by SAF. This milestone highlights SAF’s potential as a drop-in replacement, meeting the technical and chemical requirements of traditional jet fuel while presenting a more sustainable alternative. SAF has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 85% over its life cycle compared to conventional jet fuel.

Demonstration flights play a crucial role in paving the way for the standardisation, qualification and widespread adoption of 100% SAF flying. These initiatives align with government strategies supporting the production and scaling up of SAF. The successful A380 demonstration flight underscores the performance and compatibility of SAF, positioning it as a secure and reliable fuel source. It contributes valuable insights to ongoing industry research evaluating the positive effects of 100% SAF on aircraft performance, even as current regulations limit SAF use to a 50% blend in commercial flight engines.

The 100% drop-in SAF utilised in this flight, featuring renewable aromatics, closely mirrors conventional jet fuel characteristics. This marks the first instance of using drop-in SAF on an A380 aircraft, with expectations of full compatibility across the existing systems. The flight carried four tonnes of SAF, composed of HEFA-SPK from Neste (hydro-processed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene) and HDO-SAK from Virent (hydro-deoxygenated synthetic aromatic kerosene). ENOC played a key role in securing the neat SAF, blending it with Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAK) at its Dubai International Airport facility ahead of the demonstration and providing into-plane services.

The 100% SAF powered one Engine Alliance GP7200 engine, while the other three engines used conventional jet fuel. Additionally, the PW980 auxiliary power unit (APU) from Pratt & Whitney Canada ran on 100% SAF.

Last week, robust engine testing for one A380 Engine Alliance GP7200 engine using 100% SAF validated the engine’s capability to run on the specially blended drop-in SAF without affecting performance or requiring modifications. The ground engine testing took place at the state-of-the-art Emirates Engineering Centre in Dubai.

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