Embraer, the renowned Brazilian aerospace manufacturer, made a groundbreaking announcement on October 15, revealing the successful testing of the Phenom 300E and Praetor 600 aircraft using 100 percent neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The tests, in which one engine ran exclusively on 100 percent SAF, were conducted at Embraer's Melbourne facility and offered invaluable insights into system performance when utilizing SAF blends up to 100 percent. The SAF used for the tests was provided by World Fuel, and the initiative was made possible through collaboration with key industry players, including Honeywell Aerospace, Parker, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Safran.
Embraer's dedication to sustainability is at the core of this milestone achievement. It underscores the company's commitment to adapting existing products for maximum sustainability and encouraging SAF adoption throughout the industry. SAF is a renewable energy source capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent compared to traditional jet fuel, making it a crucial component of Embraer's sustainability goals. The company aims to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040 and support the aerospace sector in reaching the net-zero emissions target by 2050.
Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, expressed pride in the successful tests, stating, “We are proud to have successfully flown the Phenom 300E and Praetor 600 on 100 percent neat SAF, an important step as our operators are increasingly interested in and adopting this fuel. This achievement is an important milestone in our journey towards net-zero emissions by 2050 and demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, our customers, and our stakeholders.”
Currently, all Embraer aircraft are approved to use a blend of up to 50 percent SAF mixed with conventional jet fuel, in line with ASTM International specifications. However, potential future specifications allowing for fuels containing up to 100 percent SAF hold promise for further reducing emissions by utilizing sustainable, non-fossil-based sources.
Embraer's commitment to sustainability is an integral part of its business strategy. The company remains dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to reduce its environmental footprint. The flights of the Phenom 300 and Praetor 600 on 100 percent neat SAF represent significant milestones in this endeavor, and Embraer is poised to continue shaping a more sustainable future for the aviation industry. This involves ongoing efforts, including research and development in low- and zero-emission alternative propulsion systems, such as electrification, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen technology.
