Gulfstream Flies A 100% Sustainable Fuel Business Jet

On December 16, the company flew the jet from Savannah as part of a project with Rolls-Royce, which makes the G650’s 16,900-pound (75.2 kN)-thrust BR725 engines, says Gulfstream.

Gulfstream and Rolls-Royce flew a G650 powered by 100% SAF.

"Gulfstream is the business-jet industry’s first original equipment manufacturer to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel," the company said.

Gulfstream president Mark Burns mentioned, "Leading our industry closer to decarbonization is a long-standing priority, and testing, evaluating, and promoting new developments in SAF takes us another step closer to that goal."

The aircraft was also fuelled with two types of SAF, according to the report. Those included fuel from World Energy in California, derived from "hydro-processed esters and fatty acids from waste fat and plant oils." The other was synthetic aromatic kerosene made from plant-based sugars and supplied by Wisconsin fuel company Virent, Gulfstream says.

Engine maker R-R said, "By demonstrating that current Rolls-Royce engines for business jets and large civil applications can operate with 100% SAF as a full drop-in option, this test lays the groundwork for moving this type of fuel towards certification."

Carbon emissions are a problem for the whole aviation industry, but they are especially bad for companies that make business jets that use a lot of fuel.

The business jet industry has set a goal of "carbon-neutral growth" after 2020 and net-zero emissions by 2050, which is a lofty goal given the nascent state of sustainable aviation fuel production, according to the report. 

By Sumita Pawar