First helicopter flight using sustainable aviation fuel completed in China

An Airbus H125 helicopter belonging to State Grid Space Technology Company (SGST) has successfully used sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for a flight demonstration at Hefei Shiwan Airport in China.

This is the first helicopter flight using SAF in China.

The H125, which is powered by a Safran ARRIEL 2D engine, flew at a hybrid ratio of 40 per cent of SAF provided by China National Aviation Fuel (CNAF).

“The success of this flight is of great significance to stimulate SAF promotion and its application,” said Du Guihe, Board Chairman of SGST. “It makes a positive impact on the enterprises which are proactive on low-carbon general aviation development. It is also a breakthrough for China’s general aviation industry to better implement carbon emission reduction in the post-pandemic era.”

Colin James, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in China, added: “I am proud that our customer, SGST, launched this noteworthy SAF flight with the H125, marking Airbus Helicopters as the first helicopter manufacturer to perform a SAF flight in China.

“In an effort to reduce carbon emissions and set a standard within the industry, we are working with our partners to use locally produced SAF.”

Earlier this year, France successfully conducted a test flight using SAF.