Pratt & Whitney, Air bp partner on SAF testing and research

Pratt & Whitney and Air bp have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together towards the research and testing of 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Pratt & Whitney engines.

“The commercial aviation industry must use multiple approaches when it comes to addressing the challenges of sustainable aviation,” said Graham Webb, Chief Sustainability Officer at Pratt & Whitney. “One immediate opportunity is to radically reduce our dependence on fossil fuels while we continue to improve engine efficiency.”

Air bp will work with Pratt & Whitney to explore the usage of SAF blends up to 100% SAF for engine and propulsion system testing through 2024. Additionally, the companies will collaborate on researching the performance of 100% SAF in propulsion systems to provide insights and data on fuel performance and emissions reductions.

“As we continue to develop new technologies and feedstocks, some of which may be unique to U.S. availability, it will be very useful for both companies to collaborate on testing and understanding fuel performance and, on working on increasing SAF utilization in engines up to 100%,” said Andreea Moyes, Sustainability Director of Air bp.

Sustainable aviation fuel will play a critical role in achieving the industry’s goal of reaching net zero CO2 emissions from air travel by 2050.

Pratt & Whitney has been involved in SAF testing and certificate for over a decade, and has worked with authorities to establish the standard to allow SAF to be used as “drop in” fuel, blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel.

The engine manufacturer is still working towards validating 100% sustainable aviation fuel in its engines, working closely with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative and ASTM International towards that goal.