Emirates has been the first airline in the world to run an A380 demonstration flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking a significant milestone for the aviation sector. This historic achievement represents a major advancement in the airline’s mission to lessen its environmental effect and promote environmentally friendly flying procedures.
With one of its four engines running only on 100% SAF, the demonstration flight—captained with pride by Captains Khalid Binsultan and Philippe Lombet—took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB). This momentous accomplishment highlights SAF’s potential as a competitive substitute for traditional jet fuel, offering up to an 85% decrease in carbon emissions across the fuel’s life cycle.
Emirates and its partners, Airbus, Engine Alliance, Pratt & Whitney, Neste, Virent, and ENOC, worked closely together to achieve the successful flight. These committed partners have played a key role in carrying out thorough testing, technical evaluations, and data analysis to guarantee the smooth incorporation of 100% SAF into the A380’s operational procedures.
This most recent innovation further strengthens Emirates’ continuous efforts to implement sustainable practices across its operations. The airline, using a Boeing 777-300ER, successfully executed the first 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight in the area earlier this year. Furthermore, Emirates has agreements in place with Shell Aviation and Neste to provide blended SAF for aircraft leaving major airports like Singapore Changi, Dubai, and Amsterdam Schiphol.
Emirates is dedicated to sustainability in many more ways than just fuel procurement. The airline collaborates with partners to increase SAF production and supply by actively participating in a number of industry and UAE government working groups. Furthermore, Emirates actively participates in the development of the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap and was instrumental in the creation of the country’s power-to-liquid (PtL) fuel roadmap.
Emirates has established a new standard for sustainable aviation with its historic demonstration flight, showcasing the viability and promise of 100% SAF in commercial operations. Emirates’ unwavering commitment to sustainability is paving the way for a more environmentally friendly future for the aviation sector.
