ATR revealed that its ATR 72-600 F-WWEV test aircraft has completed 7 hours of flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in one of the PW127 engines.
The aircraft was fueled by Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which is produced from 100% renewable waste and waste raw materials such as used cooking oil.
The tests are part of the certification program for the use of 100% SAF on ATR aircraft, which aims to start commercial flights in 2025.
In addition to Neste, the partnership also includes the Swedish carrier Braathens Regional Airlines, which should carry out a 100% SAF flight in 2022.
Adopting sustainable jet fuel will be a big step towards reducing CO2 emissions, as ATR estimates that a turboprop can emit 82% less carbon dioxide than an aircraft fueled with regular kerosene.
“The achievement of this great milestone shows that we are fully committed to making the use of 100% SAF possible and helping our customers meeting their objectives to provide even more sustainable air links – not in 2035 or 2050 but in the coming years,” he said. Stefano Bortoli, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer.
