Gulfstream Aerospace recently completed the world’s first trans-Atlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Accomplished on 19 November 19, the flight took place on a Gulfstream G600 aircraft, which departed the company’s headquarters in Savannah and landed 6 hours, 56 minutes later at Farnborough Airport in England. The SAF used contained no added aromatics or other impurities.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines, both using 100% SAF, this mission showcases the potential for aviation’s future use of renewable fuels, which feature lower carbon, sulfur and aromatics. The data collected from this endurance flight will help Gulfstream and its key suppliers gauge aircraft compatibility with future low-aromatic renewable fuels, particularly under cold temperatures for extended flight durations.

The SAF used on the flight was produced by World Energy and delivered by World Fuel Services. It comprised 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (neat HEFA), which has at least 70% lower lifecycle CO₂ emissions than fossil-based jet fuel, helping to reduce aviation’s impact on climate. Additionally, this zero-added aromatics fuel has a reduced impact on local air quality and very low sulfur content, which can reduce non-CO₂ environmental impacts.

The flight was net-zero emission. The World Energy-produced SAF in the G600 reduces flight life cycle emissions by 83%. The 17% residual carbon dioxide (CO₂) plus the ground transport emissions were covered by an additional SAF supply delivered to Los Angeles International Airport.

SAF certificates (SAFc), showing ownership transfer of the Book & Claim credits, are supplied to Gulfstream along with the physical SAF environmental document known as the “Proof of Sustainability.” Emissions are eliminated using the physical SAF plus the SAFc to reach net-zero. The emission reductions are 100% within the aviation sector.

Other key partners supporting this milestone include Honeywell, Safran and Eaton.

Gulfstream was the first business jet original equipment manufacturer to fly on 100% SAF. This flight advances the company’s continuing work to lead the industry’s sustainability efforts.