Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Rotorcraft: A Greener Future of Flight

As the world continues to focus on sustainability more and more, the aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is becoming a key element in this effort, offering a promising solution for making the rotorcraft and overall aviation industry greener. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into what SAF fuel is, its benefits, the challenges of its adoption, and its potential future impact on the rotorcraft industry.

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a drop-in replacement for conventional jet fuel, which has been used to power the typical helicopter engine for years. The term drop-in replacement means it can be used seamlessly without the need to modify existing aircraft engines. This sustainable fuel is produced from renewable sources, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional fossil fuels.

Sources of SAF

Aerial shot of a biofuel factory

Sustainable airline fuel generally takes the form of biofuel, meaning it can be derived from a variety of renewable sources, including:

• Used cooking oil: Repurposing waste oil from food production.
• Municipal waste: Converting everyday waste into usable fuel.
• Non-food crops: Utilizing crops that do not compete with food supply.
• Biomass: Using excess plant material or animal waste.

Another form of SAF can be derived from Captured Carbon Dioxide (CO2) combined with renewable energy (e-fuels). This involves an innovative process that captures CO2 before and during the emissions process, stores it, and then converts it into fuel using renewable energy. When combined with more of a traditional aviation biofuel, it can be used as an effective SAF.Each of these sources of sustainable aviation fuel is more sustainable than the A-1 kerosene used in the typical jet fuel that powers industrious and commercial aviation. 

Benefits of Using SAF for Rotorcraft

So why should the industry adopt more SAF fuel in both airline and helicopter flights? Is SAF really as sustainable and environmentally friendly as the producers would have us believe? Understanding the benefits of sustainable aviation fuel is essential for anyone considering investing in the technology. 

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

One of the most significant advantages of SAF is its potential to reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by 80-100% compared to traditional fossil-derived jet fuel. This substantial reduction can help mitigate the aviation industry's impact on climate change. It’s worth noting that the rotorcraft industry only accounts for around 1% of the aviation industry’s overall emissions, however, companies like Airbus are still working within the realm of SAF to reduce this figure. 

Cleaner Air

Along with reductions in greenhouse gases, SAF use also results in less particulate matter and other pollutants being emitted. This improvement in air quality is especially beneficial around airports and urban flight paths, contributing to healthier environments for communities in a variety of settings. Cleaner air does significant good for public health, reducing the presence of materials linked to strokes, respiratory infections, various cancers, cardiovascular disease, and a wealth of other conditions. 

Use of Renewable Resources 

Along with the emission impact of SAF fuel being less so than traditional fossil options, it also offers the benefit of coming from renewable sources. Unlike fossil fuels, which are anticipated to run out as early as 2060, biofuels are made from plant matter and other renewable resources that we can theoretically produce indefinitely. It’s also worth noting that the production of these renewable resources – plant life – will absorb more emissions going forward. 

If SAF is adopted in the rotorcraft industry and wider aviation spaces, we could massively reduce the impact that these sectors have on the environment, while also helping to reduce fuel insecurity. 

Challenges Standing in the Way of SAF Adoption

Adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel seems like a no brainer, so why isn’t the world’s aviation industry adopting it faster? Despite over 370,000 flights incorporating these fuels since 2016, significant barriers still stand in the way of this fuel alternative being used as a go-to option for both airline and rotorcraft aviation. 

Cost: Currently, SAF is more expensive to produce than conventional jet fuel. The higher cost is mainly due to limited production capacity and the availability of feedstocks, such as waste cooking oil that don’t disrupt other agricultural processes.

Supply and Demand: Demand for SAF is rapidly growing but current production levels are not yet sufficient to meet this demand, especially with the aviation industry showing no signs of slowing down. This supply constraint makes it challenging to secure consistent quantities of SAF.

Certification and Standards: Ensuring that SAF meets the same safety and performance standards as conventional jet fuel requires extensive testing and certification. Ongoing efforts are required to maintain rigorous standards that ensure the reliability of SAF as an everyday fuel choice.

Uncertainty of Efficacy: Some data sets suggest that SAF emissions could be less sustainable than their name suggests, with biofuels sometimes burning ethanol and other pollutants. It’s also worth noting that as flight demand increases, the use of fossil fuels could eclipse the benefits of SAF adoption. 

These barriers must be addressed sufficiently rather than SAF producers trying to bypass them altogether – in sustainable projects, a failure can push things back years. 

The Future of SAF in the Rotorcraft Industry

The future of SAF fuel is something that will become clearer in the next few years – right now the progress in the sector seems to be broadly positive, if a little tentative. One could also observe that Sustainable Aviation Fuel could become more commonplace in the Rotorcraft industry sooner, considering the significantly smaller amount of demand for helicopter flight compared to commercial air travel. 

Government Incentives & Initiatives

Many global governments are introducing policies and incentives to encourage and enhance the production and adoption of SAFs – the recent UK Conservative government had plans in place but it remains to be seen whether the incumbent Labour government will continue to implement them. 

Possible and factual incentives and initiatives to support the industry include:

• Tax breaks
• Subsidies 
• Investment into production
• Mandates for usage

All of these developments will drive the growth of the market. 

Increased Investment

Airlines, rotorcraft operators like Airbus, and fuel companies are increasingly investing in SAF production facilities. These investments are crucial for driving down production costs and expanding the supply of SAF, making it more accessible and affordable.

Technological Advancements

Research is ongoing from many angles attempting to develop more efficient and cost-effective ways to produce SAF from various feedstocks. Innovations in technology will play a key role in overcoming current limitations and enhancing the sustainability of SAF.

Changes in Public Perception

Using cleaner fuels like SAF, alongside the adoption of eVTOL vehicles, can improve public perception of the rotorcraft industry, particularly in urban areas where concerns about air quality and noise pollution are prevalent. A greener image can enhance community relations and support for aviation operations, especially as urban mobility solutions continue to diversify.

Impacts on Competitive Advantage

Truck carrying traditional Aviation Fuel

Early adopters of SAF may gain a competitive advantage by attracting environmentally conscious customers, of which the numbers are consistently increasing. As sustainability becomes a more significant factor in consumer decision-making, companies that prioritize green practices can differentiate themselves in the market.

Staying Abreast of The Rotorcraft Industry’s Latest Developments

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) holds immense potential for creating a greener future for the rotorcraft and broader aviation industry. Overcoming challenges related to cost, production, infrastructure, and confirmed efficacy will be crucial for widespread adoption, requiring collaboration between governments, fuel producers, and rotorcraft operators. By embracing SAF, alongside a range of other developments, the rotorcraft industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact and move towards a more sustainable future.

When operating within rotorcraft and aviation, it’s essential to stay on top of all the latest industry developments. Whether you’re more focused on shifts in sustainability, new applications for rotary technology, or the integration of Urban Air Mobility, there’s no better place to stay on top of the game than Helitech Expo. 

This show is Europe’s leading industry gathering for people working in Rotorcraft, featuring an extensive Exhibition Hall, set to be packed with all the latest industry innovations. The show will also include an impressive lineup of Guest Speakers, covering a wide range of topics from highly qualified vantage points. 

Check out our blog for more insightful pieces on the Rotorcraft sector, and register for your free tickets today.