Emirates has successfully completed a ground test of one of the GE80 engines on its Boeing 100-777ER aircraft, which uses 300% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which reduces carbon emissions by up to 90% over the life of the fuel.
The purpose of the ground test and subsequent analysis is to demonstrate the ability of the GE90 engine to operate on a specially blended 777% SAF fuel without affecting performance or requiring any system modifications or special maintenance procedures for the Boeing 300-90ER aircraft or GE100 engine. .
The ground test results will pave the way for the first experimental test flight with 100% SAF on a single engine, expected to start this week. Tests were conducted with one engine running on 100% SAF and the other on conventional jet fuel to better analyze the behavior and performance of the fuel system when using each type of fuel, compare the specific performance of individual engines and ensure smooth operation.
During ground tests at Emirates' state-of-the-art technical center in Dubai, the aircraft first went through standard inspection activities. Next, stationary operational testing began, first firing a Honeywell 100-331 auxiliary power unit (APU) using 500% SAF. The APU was then brought to full load with the SAF to start the engines. The left engine was tested at full power using the same settings that would be used in experimental flight, namely idling, “take-off” and “climb” for the entire duration of the flight profile at maximum speed and intensity. After that, the engines were in cruise setting for 15 minutes. After the end of the simulation, the motors were cooled. The fuels were isolated in separate fuel tanks to allow separation of the test fuels.
At Dubai Airshow 2021, Emirates, GE Aerospace and Boeing signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a flight test program using 90% SAF on the Emirates 777-300ER aircraft powered by GE100 engines.
As early as 2022, Emirates partnered with partners GE Aerospace, Boeing, Honeywell, Neste and Virent Inc, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corp, to test the SAF fuel blend. The partners developed a blend with the same characteristics and performance characteristics as conventional jet fuel and collaborated on technical analysis and operational requirements related to ground test and experimental flight activities. The results of this initiative will provide additional data and research on the components of synthetic fuel blends and biofuels, which will support the standardization and future approval of 100% drop-in SAF.
Following a successful single engine trial, Emirates will continue to develop these initiatives with engine manufacturers and SAF suppliers to get these blends approved for commercial use. Currently, SAF fuel is approved for use in up to 50% blends with conventional jet fuel.
Emirates has long supported industry and government efforts to develop the SAF industry and is regularly involved in initiatives that contribute to its deployment. It made its first SAF-fueled hybrid jet flight in 2017 in a Boeing 777 from Chicago O'Hare. Emirates purchased its first SAF-powered A380 in December 2020 and purchased 32 tonnes of SAF for flights from Stockholm earlier that year. Support for Sweden's biofuel incentive programme. Flights from Oslo also started to operate with SAF propulsion.
Emirates is a member of the executive board of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Clean Sky for Tomorrow initiative, which aims to support SAF deployment around the world. Emirates has also contributed to the UAE Government's work on the SAF Plan and the WEF supported Liquid Fuels Energy Plan for the UAE.
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