29 March 2021
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is one of the ways that aviation is looking to reduce its carbon output. It’s jet fuel made from plants or waste.
American helicopter manufacturer Bell has announced that it will start using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in all Bell Training Academy and customer demonstration fleet aircraft, becoming the first rotorcraft customer to receive SAF supply from global aviation fuel supplier, Avfuel.
“Bell is an active supporter of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s sustainable fuel initiative, and we are committed to seeking more eco-friendly solutions for rotorcraft,” said Michael Thacker at Bell.
Some 20 aircraft in Bell’s demonstration and training fleet started using sustainable aviation fuel from 25 March. SAF provides a cleaner source of fuel to power rotorcraft and decreases environmental impact of general aviation.
Aside from SAF, Bell is exploring other ways to diminish fuel consumption by testing electrically powered technology in new vehicles like the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport and the Electrically Distributed Anti-Torque demonstrator.
The aviation industry has a stated objective to achieve carbon neutral growth and reduce CO2 emissions by 50 percent by 2050.
Where can you buy SAF in the UK? London Biggin Hill Airport, which will be supplied by Air BP.
The airport will be the first in London to offer Air BP’s low carbon renewable fuel, which is produced from waste and residue products and is a blend comprising just over one third SAF and two-thirds traditional jet fuel. The SAF component provides a lifecycle carbon reduction of around 80% compared to traditional jet fuel it replaces.
