Emirates world’s first airline to operate A380 demonstration flight with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel

First time drop-in SAF is used on an A380 with full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing system

Cross industry collaboration brings in expertise from Airbus, Engine Alliance, Pratt & Whitney, ENOC, Neste and Virent

Landmark flight was powered by 100% SAF in one of four engines to test performance

Emirates has become the world’s first airline to operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Today’s flight, proudly commanded by Captain Khalid Binsultan and Captain Philippe Lombet, took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) with one of four engines powered on 100% SAF, helping demonstrate its potential as a drop-in replacement that matches jet fuel’s technical and chemical requirements, while being a more sustainable alternative. SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85%* over the fuel’s life cycle when compared to conventional jet fuel. 

Emirates operates milestone demonstration flight powered with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Conducted in partnership with GE Aerospace, Boeing, Honeywell, Neste and Virent

First demonstration flight in Middle East and North Africa to be powered by 100% SAF in one of two engines

Emirates has operated its first milestone demonstration flight on a Boeing 777-300ER, powering one of its engines with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The flight took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB), and was commanded by Captain Fali Vajifdar and Captain Khalid Nasser Akram, flying for more than one hour over the Dubai coastline. 

The demonstration flight powered by SAF holds particular significance as the UAE declares 2023 the ‘Year of Sustainability’. The year will showcase the UAE’s commitment to seek innovative solutions to challenges such as energy, climate change and other issues related to sustainability. The flight supports collective industry efforts to enable a future of 100% SAF flying and help advance the UAE’s sustainability objectives.