ATR has confirmed a series of successful ground and flight tests for 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on one PW172M turboprop engine, a pair of which power the new ATR 72-600 regional aircraft. The fuel powering the engine was Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ produced from 100% renewable waste and residues raw materials, such as used cooking oil.
This test is part of collaboration between ATR, Brathens Regional Airlines and Neste to obtain 100% SAF certification. A further demonstration flight for the ATR 72-600 is anticipated for later in the year, and the target is to achieve full certification for the use of 100% SAF by 2025. Operating on 100% SAF in both Pratt & Whitney engines the aircraft will be able to reduce its CO2 emissions by approximately 82%.
Stefano Bortoli, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer said: “As the regional market leader, our aim is to lead the change to decarbonisation. 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. 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.”
