Red Arrows adopt sustainable aviation fuel for upcoming airshow

Air Space Intelligence, Intel Foundry, and Team Lewis support these flights with HVO supplied by Power Electrics and SAF provided by AFS Aviation. Kate McKinley, Director of People and Sustainability at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises stated: “Their nine-ship team are known across the world, so we are delighted to be hosting this landmark display here at RAF Fairford."

The RAF has been testing sustainable aviation fuel since 2021. They achieved a significant milestone in November 2021 when they successfully flew a microlight powered by synthetic fuel derived from air and water. In 2022, an RAF Voyager became the first large military aircraft to complete a flight powered entirely by 100% SAF.

SAF is made from renewable and waste-based feedstocks like used cooking oil and animal fats. The International Air Transport Association estimates that it could contribute up to 65% of reductions by 2050.

Despite its promise, sustainable aviation fuel faces challenges such as high production costs and limited scalability. Sir Dieter Helm from Oxford University noted: “It's very hard to think there is such a thing as a sustainable aviation fuel.” Some airlines have adjusted their sustainability targets due to technological challenges.