GE Aviation's Passpor engine recently completed its first flight test using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). CE Aviation is one step further on the road to promoting sustainable aviation fuel applications.
This test shows that our Passport engine, like GE's dead engine, can run on the currently approved SAF and is compatible with 100% SAF in the future. In addition, the Passport engine uses more energy-efficient technology than the previous generation of business jet engines, which can effectively reduce carbon emissions in flight and help customers achieve their sustainability goals. 〞GE Aviation's Passpor engine project director Melvin? Melyn Heard said. The currently approved SAF consists of petroleum-based Jet AJet A-1 fuel blended with SAF components at a maximum blending ratio of 50%. An international working group, led by GE's head of aviation fuel technology, is developing industry specifications to support 100% drip SAF that does not need to be blended with conventional jet fuel.
In March, CE Aviation conducted ground testing of 100% sustainable aviation fuel for Passport engines at its Peebles Test Center in southern Ohio. The aim was to evaluate the performance of engines powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel in comparison with the conventional fuel Jet A. The test used the most widely used HEFA-SPK sustainable aviation fuel today, which is made from recycled cooking oil and other waste animal fats, oils and greases. Initial test results are positive. The performance of Passport engines using HEFA-SPK* sustainable aviation fuel is comparable to that of conventional jet fuel. Renewable aviation fuel is made from alternative raw materials such as vegetable oil, algae, grease, animal fat, wastewater, alcohol, sugar, captured carbon monoxide, etc., using a cleaner road-by-road process. Compared to fossil fuels, it can effectively reduce carbon emissions throughout the life cycle of production, processing and transportation. Since 2007, GE Aviation has been actively involved in the assessment and certification of SAF and works closely with regulators, producers and operators to ensure SAF in aviation.
Wide range of applications in the field:
In December 2021, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by United and running on 100% sustainable aviation fuel successfully flew. The aircraft is powered by a LEAP-1B engine from CFM International, a 50/50 flat joint venture between GE and Safran.
That same year, the Boeing* Eco-Demonstrator powered by the LEAP-1B engine "completed 100% sustainable dirty fuel testing."
The VOLCAN (Flying with New Alternative Fuels) project conducted a series of ground and flight tests of CFM International's LEAP-1A engine in France.
In 2018, GE9O engines powered a FedEx-operated Boeing 777 freighter that ran on 100% sustainable aviation fuel.