Sat, Jul 02, 2022
Test-Flight Results Encouraging
Embraer and Pratt & Whitney have successfully test-flown a GTF-powered E195-E2 aircraft on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The test—which was conducted with one of the aircraft’s engines running on 100% SAF and the other operating on petroleum jet-fuel—substantiated the notion that both the GTF engine and the E-Jets E2 families can operate normally on blends of up to 100% SAF.
Prior to its 70-minute test-flight at Vero Beach Regional Airport in Florida, the test-aircraft completed two days of ground tests at Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
All Pratt & Whitney engines and Embraer aircraft are currently certified to operate with up to 50% blends of SAF and standard Jet A/A1 kerosene—according to ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) specifications.
To maximize the emissions reduction potential of using fuel derived from non-fossil-based feedstocks, future specifications may enable operations on 100% SAF.
The SAF used by Embraer and Pratt & Whitney was 100% hydro-processed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosine (HEFA-SPK) acquired from World Energy. HEFA-SPK is a specific type of hydro-treated, renewable feedstock fuel used in aviation, and is considered a leading alternative replacement for conventional jet fuel by the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), due to the sustainability of its feedstock. The initiative, however, makes neither mention nor issue of the worrying fact that contemporary production methods utilize 1,300-gallons of fresh water to synthesize a single gallon of sustainable aviation fuel.
Nevertheless, Graham Webb, chief sustainability officer at Pratt & Whitney said of the test: “SAF is a core part of our sustainability roadmap, and we continue to work with industry partners and regulators to support the development of a drop-in standard for 100% SAF.”
Mister Webb’s sentiments were reiterated by Rodrigo Silva e Souza, vice president of strategy and sustainability for Embraer Commercial Aviation, who added: “Embraer and Pratt & Whitney are leading the industry with products that are more efficient for our customers and more sustainable for our society. This test demonstrates that the E2 is ready for 100% SAF certification and operation once the industry finalizes standards.”
More News
Option Approach An approach requested and conducted by a pilot which will result in either a touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. Pilots >[...]
"Emirates is already the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s. This is a long-t>[...]
(Pilot) Reported That There Was A Sudden And Violent Vibration Throughout The Airplane That Lasted Several Seconds Analysis: The pilot was returning to his home airport at an altit>[...]
“This recognition was evident during the TBMOPA Annual Convention, where owners and operators clearly expressed their satisfaction with our focus on customer service, and enc>[...]
Overhead Maneuver A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern and to proceed to a >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.19.25): Option Approach
See All