Embraer has signed a memorandum of understanding with Pratt & Whitney to collaborate on studies of 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Technical teams from the two companies will engage to define an integrated ground and flight test plan for 100% SAF in a GTF-powered Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
The initiative reflects Embraer´s and Pratt & Whitney’s shared commitment to supporting the aviation industry’s ambitious environmental goals, including the goal of reaching net zero CO2 emissions for air travel by 2050. Alongside efforts to continually improve aircraft and engine efficiency, SAFs have a critical role to play towards decarbonising air travel, by reducing dependence on fossil-based fuels.
SAFs are manufactured from renewable feedstocks, such as used cooking oil or municipal solid waste and may reduce lifecyle CO2 emissions by up to 80% relative to fossil-based jet fuel. Today, technical standards devised by ASTM International allow aircraft to operate with SAF at blends of up to 50% with kerosene. Collaboration among OEMs, fuel providers, and regulators, will enable new standards to certify operation with 100% SAF.