UK-based global major propulsion and power systems group Rolls-Royce announced on Monday that it has successfully tested every one of its current production commercial (including business) aircraft engines with 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). This marked the conclusion to a programme launched in 2021 and which has shown that there are no engine technology constraints to the use of 100% SAF.

“Becoming the first jet engine manufacturer to publicly confirm all our in-production engines for long-haul aircraft and business jets are compatible with 100% SAF, is an important milestone for both Rolls-Royce and the wider aviation industry,” highlighted Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic. “It’s also further evidence of our commitment to becoming a net zero company by 2050 and supporting our customers to do the same.”

The engines subjected to the tests were the Trent 700, Trent 800, Trent 900, Trent 1000, Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97, Trent 7000, Pearl 15, Pearl 10X, Pearl 700, BR725 and the last engine to be tested, the BR710. The test programme replicated in-service operating conditions, with a mix of ground and flight tests. The company’s next generation UltraFan demonstrator engine actually made its first test run (earlier this year) using 100% SAF.

“This is an important milestone, not just for Rolls-Royce, but also for the wider civil aerospace industry,” affirmed Rolls-Royce engineering, technology and safety group director Simon Burr. “We hope the success of these tests provides a level of technical validation that supports those who seek to invest in the production of 100% SAF going forward.”

Later this month, a Virgin Atlantic airline Boeing 787 Dreamliner, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, will make the first transatlantic flight using 100% SAF. (On its return flight, the aircraft will use conventional jet fuel, to show that the aircraft and engines can use both types of fuel, without needing any engineering changes.)

The International Air Transport Association has estimated that use of 100% SAF will reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, compared with conventional jet fuels. Rolls-Royce has calculated that the combination of extremely efficient next generation gas turbine engines using 100% SAF will provide 80% of the solution to the problem of reaching net-zero carbon emissions commercial aviation by 2050.

Currently, aviation regulatory and fuel standards agencies only allow airlines to routinely use fuel blends with up to 50% SAF. Flights using 100% SAF need special and specific permissions. The Rolls-Royce tests would help towards the certification of 100% SAF for routine use.