Tests on a V2500 engine with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) have been successfully carried out by IAE International Aero Engines AG (IAE) at the MTU Maintenance Hannover facility.

Kim Kinsley, president of IAE AG and vice president of Mature Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, said: “This test with 100% SAF demonstrates that V2500 engines can continue contributing towards making aviation more sustainable in the decades ahead.”

The V2500 engine test was run on 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosine (HEFA-SPK) fuel supplied by Neste.

HEFA-SPK is produced by hydrotreating renewable raw materials, such as waste oils or fats, into an aviation turbine fuel and is a prominent sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuels.

Kinsley added: “With nearly 3,000 V2500-powered aircraft in service today, IAE recognises our important role in supporting the industry’s goal to meet net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

“We anticipate the majority of our eight IAE company shops will be prepared to use SAF in their operations in the next few years.”

Michael Schreyögg, chief programme officer at MTU Aero Engines, said: “MTU Maintenance Hannover is the first maintenance, repair and overhaul facility worldwide to carry out a 100% SAF test on a V2500.

“This test demonstrates our commitment to supporting greater use of SAF across both our entire network and the broader industry.

“We remain dedicated to working with IAE, suppliers and partners to ensure not only that our products are capable of operating with SAF but also that our maintenance, repair and overhaul infrastructure can support all operators and owners with their SAF testing requirements.”

The V2500 engine currently powers the A320ceo family aircraft and the Embraer C-390 Millenium, and offers the most fuel-efficient propulsion system in its class, with up to 3% fuel burn and emissions advantage over prior generation engines, resulting in significant fuel savings and lower emissions.

The engine is also approved for operation on SAF blended at up to 50% with conventional Jet A and A-1 fuel.

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