Emirates announces 'historic' flight with sustainable fuel

Although the Emirates use sustainable aviation fuels, known as SAF, since 2017, this test flight was “the first in the Middle East and North Africa powered 100% by SAF”, but only on one of the aircraft's two engines, this Dubai-based company reported.

In commercial jet engines, only a maximum of 50% SAF, mixed with kerosene, can be used at this time.

SAFs are made from sustainable biomass, recycled cooking oils, captured CO2, or green hydrogen converted into synthetic fuels.

This Monday's flight took off from Dubai International Airport and flew over the city's coast for more than an hour, according to Emirates.

O SAF used in one engine “faithfully replicates the properties of conventional jet fuel,” the company said, noting that conventional jet fuel was used to power the second engine.

Os SAFs can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% throughout their entire use cycle. Currently, however, they represent less than 0,1% of aviation fuel consumed and are two to four times more expensive.

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