Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR has successfully completed a round of test flights with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in one engine. The manufacturer used its ATR 72-600 prototype aircraft. 

ATR test flights are part of the 100% SAF certification process. ATR aims to certify 100% SAF usage on its aircraft by 2025.  

“As the regional market leader, our aim is to lead the change to decarbonization. Already emitting 40% less CO2 than similarly sized regional jets, ATR turboprops are the ideal platform to offer significant advances in the reduction of CO2 emissions,” Stefano Bortoli, ATR’s chief executive officer announced in a press statement. 

In September 2021, ATR partnered with Neste and Braathens Regional Airlines to speed up the certification process. All three companies are currently targeting a 100% SAF demonstration flight on a Braathens Regional Airlines’ ATR aircraft in 2022.  

“The achievement of this great milestone shows that we are fully committed to making the use of 100% 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,” Bortoli added. 

Sustainable aviation fuel is a clean substitute for fossil jet fuels. SAF is produced from sustainable resources rather than refined petroleum. According to ATR, flying on a “typical regional route with 100% SAF in both ATR jet engines would reduce CO2 emissions by 82%”. 

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