Delta TechOps has achieved a major milestone in sustainability efforts, by successfully passing-off or deeming serviceable a Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine with blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The test was performed on MRO customer and Delta SkyTeam Partner, Virgin Atlantic’s new- generation engine.
This test marks several achievements related to sustainability efforts at Delta TechOps, including the first time the MRO has passed off an engine with SAF. The blend for this test used a mixture of SAF and conventional jet fuel (JetA) with the SAF component provided by one of Delta’s sustainability partners, Gevo.
“After fleet renewal, SAF represents the greatest opportunity to decarbonise aviation in the short to medium term. Working closely with our partners at Delta to use a blend of SAF and conventional fuel in testing one of our Trent 1000 engines is a great step towards advancing the use of these fuels to meet our commitment of 10% SAF use by 2030.” said Ian McDonald, Head of Fleet Technical Management at Virgin Atlantic.
