ATR successfully performs test flights with 100% SAF in 1 engine

Photo: ATR

Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR announced Feb. 2 that it has successfully performed a series of ground and flight tests on its ATR 72-600 prototype aircraft, cumulating seven flight hours with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in one engine. The aircraft was powered by Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ produced from 100 percent renewable waste and residues raw materials, such as used cooking oil.

These tests are part of the 100 percent SAF certification process of ATR aircraft. In September, ATR announced a collaboration with Braathens Regional Airlines and Neste to accelerate this certification. The three companies are working closely together, targeting a demonstration flight in 2022 on a Braathens Regional Airlines’ ATR aircraft. The aim is to complete the certification process of ATR aircraft for 100 percent SAF by 2025.

SAF is a key pillar of the aviation industry’s decarbonization strategy, with an immediate impact in reducing CO2 emissions. It is expected that an ATR flying on a typical regional route with 100 percent SAF in both engines would reduce CO2 emissions by 82 percent.

“As the regional market leader, our aim is to lead the change to decarbonization,” said Stefano Bortoli, ATR’s CEO. “Already emitting 40 percent less CO2 than similarly sized regional jets, ATR turboprops are the ideal platform to offer significant advances in the reduction of CO2 emissions. The achievement of this great milestone shows that we are fully committed to making the use of 100 percent 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.”