Gulfstream Demonstrates SAF Emissions Reductions in High-altitude Campaign | Aviation International News

Sustainability and Environment

Gulfstream SAF Testing Shows Contrail Emission Cuts

G800 with Pearl 700 engine flew neat SAF; modded G700 served as flying laboratory

A Gulfstream G800 flew on 100% neat SAF while a modified G700 measured contrail emissions, in an industry-first campaign at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. — A Gulfstream G800 flew on 100% neat SAF while a modified G700 measured contrail emissions, in an industry-first campaign at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. © Image courtesy Gulfstream

By Amy Wilder • Writer

July 7, 2026

Gulfstream Aerospace has become the first business aviation company to complete a high-altitude flight-test campaign demonstrating the potential for 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce contrail-forming particle emissions at altitudes up to 50,000 feet, the company said.

The campaign marked the first 100% SAF flight for the Gulfstream G800 and its Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engine. Researchers paired the G800 with a specially modified G700 converted into a flying emissions-measurement laboratory. Flying in close formation, the two aircraft captured measurements of particulate matter and contrail-forming atmospheric characteristics at altitudes higher than those flown by most airliners, but typical for business jet missions.

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Gulfstream G700/G800

Gulfstream

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