Embraer and Pratt & Whitney have completed a test flight using a GFT-powered E195-E2 jet, with one engine running on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The two days of ground tests took place at Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), Florida, the United States. After the ground tests, the E195-E2 conducted a 70-minute test flight at Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) in Florida.
The test flight validated that Embraer’s E-Jets E2 family can fly on both engines with blends of up to 100% SAF without any compromise to safety or performance.
“Replacement of older aircraft by new generation products and scaling up SAF production are the two most effective actions commercial aviation can take now to achieve a significant reduction in emissions,” said Rodrigo Silva e Souza, vice president strategy and sustainability at Embraer Commercial Aviation.
“SAF is a core part of our sustainability road map, and we continue to work with industry partners and regulators to support the development of a drop-in standard for 100% SAF,” said Graham Webb, chief sustainability officer at Pratt & Whitney. “This test proves that GTF engines can operate on any fuel, and that the E-Jets E2 family is ready for 100% SAF certification once the industry finalizes the standard for unblended SAF.”
According to the manufacturer, all Pratt & Whitney engines and Embraer jets are currently certified to operate with SAF blended up to 50%.