The Royal Air Force (RAF) has started using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and conventional jet fuel in routine operations for the first time.
Aircraft such as Typhoon jets and Poseidon submarine hunters, operating from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, are now partially powered by SAF. This development is part of ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining national security.
Between November 2023 and February 2024, the RAF received four million liters of blended SAF through a contract with World Fuel Services, with a further five million liters scheduled for delivery by October 2024.
RAF Lossiemouth, one of the UK’s busiest RAF stations, plays a key role in the country’s defense, with Typhoon aircraft on constant alert as part of the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert.
According to the RAF, the introduction of SAF follows a 2020 update of the UK Ministry of Defence’s aviation fuel standards. These standards allow up to 50% sustainable sources in fuel mixes for defense aircraft, with the goal of reducing aircraft carbon emissions by up to 80%.
“We remain at the forefront of this important work with industry partners, and introducing sustainable aviation fuel to one of our busiest stations demonstrates our commitment, bringing defence and industry together to reduce our carbon footprint,” Air Vice-Marshal Shaun Harris stated.
This development is part of the RAF’s ongoing fuel trials. On November 16, 2022, an RAF Airbus A330 MRTT Voyager completed a 90-minute flight powered entirely by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Airbus is working with several operators towards the certification and operational use of 100% SAF in military aircraft. In July 2022, an A400M transport aircraft conducted a test flight using 29% SAF in one of its engines at Airbus’ San Pablo plant in Seville, Spain.
