By the end of 2022, an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER with GE90 engines is scheduled to perform a test flight using 100 percent sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

The test flight should show how alternative fuels can reduce CO2 emissions compared to petroleum-based fuels without causing operational problems. An international working group for the development of uniform industry standards, chaired by GE Aviation, advocates the introduction of one hundred percent SAF kerosene - without the addition of conventional fuels.

In December 2020, Emirates received its first SAF-powered A380. At the beginning of the year, with the support of Swedavia's biofuel incentive program, the airline refueled 32 tonnes of SAF for its flights from Stockholm. The flights from Oslo are also operated with SAF as part of the SAF mandate policy of the Norwegian government. The airline is a member of the Clean Kies for Tomorrow coalition, which was launched by the World Economic Forum to establish SAF.

“Emirates wants to help minimize CO2 emissions. We have already made great strides in fuel efficiency and savings, as well as operational changes in various areas of our business. Our agreement with GE Aviation will support progress in the industry's shared commitment to net zero emissions. Our partnership with GE Aviation to prepare for the test flight is an important step on the road to 100 percent SAF-operated flights, ”said Adel Al Redha, chief operating officer, Emirates Airline.