Sustainability and Environment
Study: Using 100% SAF Reduces Non-CO2 Emissions
Collaborative study showed environmental benefits
The ECLIF3 study test flight.
The ECLIF3 study test flight © Neste

A newly released collaborative in-flight study using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) showed a reduction in soot particles and formation of contrail ice crystals compared to using conventional jet A-1 fuel. The Emission and Climate Impact of Alternative Fuels (ECLIF3) study included the participation of Airbus, Rolls-Royce, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and SAF producer Neste.

According to the study, the number of ice crystals per mass of unblended SAF consumed was reduced by 56 compared to jet-A fuel, which could significantly reduce the climate-warming effect of condensation trails—better known as contrails.