Neste, Airbus, Safran Engines and Microflite, a leading Australian helicopter operator, have jointly operated Australia’s first helicopter flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). On this demonstration flight, an Airbus H130 helicopter powered by a Safran Arriel 2D engine used blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied by Neste.
SAF provides a more sustainable, renewable alternative to conventional, fossil based jet fuel. This flight demonstrates that SAF is a solution available today to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions of air travel. The helicopter took off from Moorabbin Airport near Melbourne, and was fueled with a 40/60 blend of SAF with conventional jet fuel.
“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,” said Chief Operating Officer Rodney Higgins from Microflite. “Our ten-year strategy is to transition our entire fleet to either SAF or electrically powered flight,” he added.
Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle compared to using fossil jet fuel. Neste MY SAF is produced from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel and works seamlessly with existing fueling infrastructure and aircraft engines.
