The Royal Air Force (RAF) has taken another step towards greener aviation by using a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and conventional jet fuel in routine operations for the first time. This progress marks a significant milestone in the RAF's efforts to reduce its carbon emissions while maintaining its operational capability.
The introduction of sustainable aviation fuel to the RAF is a significant step forward in military aviation. From now on, aircraft such as the Typhoon jets and Poseidon submarine chasers operating from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland will be partially powered by SAF. This move is not only a step towards greener flights, but also a demonstration of the UK's commitment to sustainable defence solutions.
One of the UK's busiest stations, RAF Lossiemouth plays a key role in national defence. Its Typhoon jets are constantly on alert as part of the UK's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) and protect UK airspace. The integration of SAF into the fuel supply of this strategically important fleet demonstrates the RAF's commitment to pursuing its environmental objectives even during critical operations.
Between November 2023 and February 2024, the RAF has received four million litres of SAF blend under a contract with World Fuel Services, with a further delivery of five million litres by October 2024. These deliveries are part of a comprehensive plan to gradually improve the fuel blend and increase the proportion of sustainable fuel. The UK Ministry of Defence already introduced updated standards in 2020 that allow up to 50% sustainable fuel to be used in the blend. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions from military aircraft by up to 80%.
SAF is produced from sustainable sources such as bio-residues and waste and has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of aviation. Compared to conventional kerosene, SAF can reduce CO2 emissions during combustion by up to 80%, making it a key technology for more sustainable aviation.
International developments and cooperation
The RAF is not the only military testing SAF. In November 2022, an RAF Airbus A330 MRTT Voyager completed a 90-minute flight running entirely on 100% SAF. This test flight demonstrates progress in the use of sustainable aviation fuel in military aviation. Airbus is also actively working towards certifying and using 100% SAF in military aircraft. In July 2022, an Airbus A400M transport aircraft conducted a test flight running on 29% SAF in Seville, Spain.
The integration of SAF into military operations is part of a broader trend where aviation and military organizations worldwide are reassessing their fuel strategies. The challenge is to scale the production of SAF in sufficient quantities and reduce the costs of switching to sustainable fuels.
Outlook and challenges
The introduction of SAF to the RAF represents an important step forward, but challenges remain. SAF production is currently limited and expensive, making widespread use of the fuel in civil and military aviation difficult. In the long term, investment in SAF production and infrastructure must be increased to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the aviation industry.
However, RAF's move to use sustainable aviation fuel is a positive sign for the future of aviation and could serve as a model for other countries and aviation organisations. Through such initiatives, significant progress can be made in reducing the environmental impact of aviation, whilst maintaining operational efficiency and national security.
and 