The International Aerospace Environmental Group (IAEG) has announced that leading aerospace companies are collaborating to evaluate technical issues regarding the compatibility of 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with airplane systems. Recognizing SAF is a fundamental step to reaching aviation’s 2050 net-zero CO2 goal, Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, GE Aerospace, RTX’s Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Safran, among others, have formed Work Group 13 (WG 13) to assess the impacts of 100% SAF on airplane systems, IAEG stated.
IAEG stated that, with Boeing as lead and Airbus as deputy lead, the IAEG team members will coordinate 100% SAF testing efforts, for voluntary and unilateral consideration and use by WG 13 members. These test results will help the Work Group inform ASTM International as it develops new specifications for 100% SAF. The team will also engage infrastructure stakeholders, including fuel producers, airports and airlines, to understand what steps may be required to support the transition to this fuel.
“This collaboration will help prepare the broader aviation ecosystem for 100% SAF capabilities, as part of the aviation industry goal of achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050,” said Ryan Faucett, Boeing Vice President of Environmental Sustainability and IAEG Board Member. “We will share our findings from our SAF compatibility and ground-breaking jet reference fluids research and continue to collaborate with this Work Group to support a more sustainable aviation future, together.”
“Achieving up to 100% SAF capability for commercial and military aircraft fleets will require a high level of industry collaboration,” said Dr. Bruno Costes, Airbus Senior Director of Institutional Relations and Standardisation and IAEG Chair. “Airbus will bring its knowledge and experience from years of 100% SAF demonstration flights, coupled with our technical expertise in developing new fuel standards. SAF will be a key enabler for the decarbonisation of the sector by 2050.”
Importantly, IAEG said its Work Group 13 will support consistent communication with external stakeholders and educate infrastructure partners and suppliers on what is needed to ensure operational readiness for 100% SAF.
