Airbus Helicopters announced today that it had completed the first flight in Australia of a helicopter fueled with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The flight, a joint operation with Moorabbin operator Microflite and engine manufacturer Safran, was done with an Airbus H130 fueled with 200 litres of jet fuel, a blend of 40% SAF and Jet-A1 powering the Arriel 2D engine.
The fuel was supplied into Australia by Neste, marking the first shipment of its kind into this country.
“The use of SAF is one of Airbus’ levers to reduce carbon emissions, and we are proud to have achieved this milestone SAF flight with long-standing partners Safran and Microflite,” said Stephen Forshaw, Airbus Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
“This demonstration flight underscores Airbus’ commitment to help our customers achieve more sustainable operations. It is an important step in our journey towards decarbonisation, as we join like-minded industry partners for a wider adoption of SAF in flights.”
Fresh from an industry forum discussing the potential for a SAF industry in Australia, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the flight was an impressive step.
"We have a huge task on our hands in aviation to get to net zero," she said. "It’s a hard sector to abate, but I really am so impressed today on hearing the innovation that’s occurring, the willingness that’s occurring, the engagement from the industry, from airports, from defence, my own agencies including CASA and the department of infrastructure, transport and regional development as well as the huge engagement from state governments, who see this as a terrific opportunity, particularly for regions that are in transition and are looking for new industries and new development.
“Sustainable aviation fuels represent a tangible opportunity for the aviation sector to cut its emissions in the short to medium term and it is encouraging to see that happening first hand. Our Jet Zero council will work with industry so that we can see more initiatives like this across Australia.”
Microflite Chief Operating Officer Rodney Higgins said his company had an agenda to reduce carbon emissions and was proud of their involvement in the flight.
“As a young and dynamic aviation company with a strong vision to lead excellence in sustainable aviation, we have a fleet of over 20 aircraft conducting passenger, aerial work, and emergency services operations," he said,
"Our 10-year strategy is to transition our entire fleet to either SAF or electrically powered flight. This Australian-first use of SAF in a rotary-wing aircraft has been achieved through a collaboration with our valued industry partners, and Microflite is proud of the commitment from Airbus, Safran and Neste to join us in leading a sustainable aviation industry."
The H130 is expected to log up to an hour flying at the Australian International Airshow this week.