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In an unprecedented move that marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has recently achieved a groundbreaking accomplishment: the successful completion of the world's first trans-Atlantic flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This historic flight, carried out on a Gulfstream G600 aircraft, embarked from the company’s headquarters in Savannah and gracefully touched down at Farnborough Airport in England after 6 hours and 56 minutes in the air.
This remarkable journey, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines running solely on 100% SAF, not only highlights the aviation sector's potential shift towards renewable fuels but also underscores the industry's commitment to environmental sustainability. The chosen fuel for this mission, produced by World Energy and supplied by World Fuel Services, consisted of 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (neat HEFA), boasting at least 70% lower lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil-based jet fuel.
Gulfstream's President, Mark Burns, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "Gulfstream is innovating for a sustainable future." He further noted the critical role of SAF in meeting business aviation's long-term decarbonization goals, emphasizing that such initiatives are pivotal in fostering positive environmental impacts for future generations.
The data gathered from this endurance flight will serve as a valuable resource for Gulfstream and its partners, including key suppliers like Pratt & Whitney Canada, Honeywell, Safran, and Eaton, in assessing the compatibility of aircraft with future low-aromatic renewable fuels, especially under challenging conditions such as cold temperatures and extended flight durations.
Anthony Rossi, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada, lauded Gulfstream's efforts, acknowledging the importance of this mission in validating the compatibility of engines with unblended SAF. The SAF used not only features significantly reduced CO2 emissions but also has a minimal impact on local air quality due to its zero added aromatics and very low sulfur content, highlighting the environmental benefits beyond just carbon reduction.
Gulfstream's leadership in the sustainable aviation space is further solidified by this achievement, reinforcing its status as the first business jet original equipment manufacturer to operate a flight on 100% SAF. This flight is a testament to Gulfstream's ongoing commitment to leading the industry's sustainability efforts, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
As Gulfstream continues to navigate its sustainability journey, the company extends its gratitude to all partners involved in making this landmark flight possible. This collaborative effort exemplifies the collective ambition within the aviation industry to transition towards 100% SAF usage, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
For those interested in learning more about Gulfstream's sustainability initiatives and its vision for an eco-friendly aviation landscape, visit the company’s dedicated sustainability webpage.
This historic flight not only represents a significant leap towards achieving aviation's sustainability goals but also serves as an inspiration for private jet owners and the broader aviation community to embrace renewable fuels, fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.