Emirates Tests GE90 Engine with 100% SAF

Dark/Light Mode (24/01/23)  Emirates has completed ground engine tests on a Boeing 777-300ER's GE90 engine using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Results of the ground tests pave the way for the airline’s first experimental test flight using 100% SAF in one engine, which is due for take-off this week.

The tests involved running one engine on 100% SAF and the other on conventional jet fuel to better analyse the fuel system's behaviour and performance under each fuel type, compare specific outputs of each engine and ensure seamless operation of the aircraft’s engine and airframe fuel systems during the planned test flight.

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER reg: A6-EPA. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

Conducted at the Emirates Engineering Centre in Dubai, the aircraft first went through standard pre-inspection activities before stationary operating tests began by first running the Honeywell 331-500 auxiliary power unit (APU) on 100% SAF.

The APU was then put under full load with SAF to start the engines. The left engine was exercised through its full power range, utilising the same settings that will be used for the experimental flight, including idle, ‘take-off’ and ‘climb settings’ at full flight profile durations, running at maximum speed and intensity. Engines were then operated at ‘cruise’ settings for 15 minutes.

After the simulation ended, the engines were cooled down. Fuels were isolated in separate fuel tanks to maintain segregation of test fuels. Upon completion of the ground tests, engine data was downloaded for review, comparison and analysis.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Emirates has been working on SAF fuel blend testing with its partners GE Aerospace, Boeing, Honeywell, Neste and Virent - a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corp.

The partners have developed a blend with the same qualities and performance characteristics of conventional jet fuel and have collaborated on the technical analysis and operational requirements surrounding ground testing and experimental flight activities.

The results of the initiative will provide additional data and research around synthetic fuel blend components and biofuels, supporting standardization and future approval of 100% drop-in SAF.

Currently, SAF is approved for use in blends of up to 50% with conventional jet fuel. SAF reduces carbon emissions over the fuel’s life cycle by up to 80%.

Emirates has long been a supporter of industry and government efforts to encourage the development of the SAF industry and regularly participates in initiatives to contribute to SAF deployment.

Its first flight powered by SAF blended with jet fuel was in 2017, operating from Chicago O’Hare airport on a Boeing 777.

Emirates received its first A380 powered by SAF in December 2020 and uplifted 32 tonnes of SAF for its flights from Stockholm earlier that year, with the support of Swedavia’s Biofuel Incentive Programme. Flights from Oslo have also begun operating on SAF.

Emirates is on the Steering Committee of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative, which seeks to promote SAF deployment worldwide. The airline has also contributed to the UAE government’s work on a SAF roadmap and the WEF-supported Power-to-Liquids Roadmap for the UAE.

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