Gulfstream completes emissions test of SAF

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Savannah-based Gulfstream announced that it has successfully completed ground emissions testing of 100% neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) containing zero sulfur on the G700.

“Gulfstream has a rich history of innovating for sustainable aviation dating back to 2004 with the first ISO certification for our Savannah facility,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Our journey continues today as we work to enhance our understanding of fuel properties and their environmental characteristics to assess business aviation’s impact on the climate, chart the path forward in decreasing that impact and lead the industry in driving its sustainable aviation goals.”

The G700 was powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines. The ground emissions test were conducted to measure multiple fuel types, including a 30/70 SAF blend and neat SAF (a non-fossil-based aviation fuel).

The preliminary results of these tests will inform the industry’s path in further reducing the overall climate impact of business aviation.

The fuel for the test was supplied by World Energy and shipped by World Fuel Services.

Gaseous and particle measurements from the weeklong testing event were recorded using special instrumentation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NASA, Aerodyne Research and Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T).

Gulfstream said that the purpose of the tests was to understand the environmental characteristics of different fuels, especially 100% neat SAF without sulfur contamination or aromatics.

The results showed 100% neat SAF resulted in significant improvements in local air quality near airports as well as the possible benefits of reducing the formation of condensation trails.