Gulfstream completes first high-altitude 100% SAF emissions test
Gulfstream Aerospace has become the first business aviation company to complete a high-altitude flight test campaign measuring the effect of 100% sustainable aviation fuel on contrail-forming particle emissions at altitudes up to 50,000 feet.
The campaign, which also marked the first 100% SAF flight for the Gulfstream G800 and its Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engine, was conducted in close formation with a specially modified G700 converted into an airborne emissions measurement laboratory. Flying in formation allowed researchers to capture precise measurements of particulate matter and contrail-forming atmospheric characteristics at altitudes typical for business aviation but above those routinely flown by commercial airliners.
Preliminary results suggest a significant measurable reduction in the particulate emissions that contribute to contrail formation when operating on neat SAF – fuel that contains no sulphur or aromatics – compared to conventional Jet A.
“This campaign reflects our strategy to lead with advanced technology, real-world testing and meaningful collaboration to better understand and reduce aviation’s environmental impact,” said Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream.
The campaign was conducted in collaboration with the FAA’s Center of Excellence ASCENT, NASA, the German Aerospace Center, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Aerodyne Research, Rolls-Royce, Montana Renewables and World Fuel Services. The test compared conventional Jet A, low-sulphur Jet A and neat HEFA SAF to isolate how fuel composition influences non-CO2 emissions.
“This collaboration enabled these first-ever high-altitude 100% SAF emissions observations, allowing the team to operate safely and efficiently while maintaining the precision needed for accurate data collection,” said Rich Moore, research scientist at NASA.
“Partnering with Gulfstream was an excellent opportunity that will help inform and quantify our efforts to mitigate the impacts of persistent contrails,” said Julie Marks, executive director of the FAA’s Office of Environment and Energy.
The results will be used to refine atmospheric models, inform future fuel standards and support operational strategies to reduce aviation’s environmental footprint. The campaign builds on Gulfstream’s previous SAF milestones, including the industry’s first transatlantic flight using SAF in one engine in 2011 and the first transatlantic flight on 100% SAF in 2023. Gulfstream aircraft have now flown more than 3.5m nautical miles on SAF blends.