DRF Luftrettung tests alternative fuel in Magdeburg

In cooperation with the engine manufacturer Safran Helicopter Engines and Airbus Helicopters, DRF Luftrettung is investigating the effects of SAF on the Airbus H135 helicopter type.

Since 21 February, DRF Luftrettung’s Christoph 36 helicopter has been using environmentally-friendly SAF for its flights.

During a six-month test period, the air medical operator and its partners will analyze the impact of SAF on the H135’s technology. DRF Luftrettung will regularly and thoroughly examine the engines and document technical data, to be evaluated by Safran Helicopter Engines and Airbus Helicopters.

Dr Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung, said: “As a non-profit organization that has been saving lives for 50 years, we believe it is our responsibility to act sustainably.

“The careful use of the resources available to us is very important to us, so that all people can live a good and healthy life today and in the future.

“By testing bio-kerosene at our Magdeburg HEMS base, we are committed to reducing CO₂ emissions in air rescue – an initial, albeit small step towards climate-neutral flight in the long term.”

SAF is produced sustainably from non-fossil raw materials, waste fats or forest waste. In Magdeburg, a mixture of conventional JET-A1 kerosene (65 per cent) and alternative fuel (35 per cent) is being used as a first step. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has recently certified and approved bio-kerosene in a blend of no more than 50 per cent with conventional kerosene for aviation.

Due to the time-consuming production of SAF, the alternative fuel is not yet widely available in Germany. “The costs are also many times higher than with conventional kerosene. Nevertheless, we are very happy that we have been able to start using it in Magdeburg,” explained Achim Vogel, Head of Central Purchasing and Logistics at DRF Luftrettung.