Safran Helicopter Engines to use SAF in the UK

It is the first Safran Helicopter Engines site outside France to use SAF in its engine test cells and now a leading aerospace site worldwide in this field. The SAF is produced by Neste from 100 per cent renewable waste and residue raw materials such as used cooking oil.

Safran Helicopter Engines has set itself the goal of reducing carbon emissions at all its sites worldwide by incorporating this type of fuel on all its test benches. Since last June, the manufacturer has been using SAF at all its sites in France, initially at a level of 10 per cent of total aviation fuel usage, with a target of 50 per cent by 2025.

Reducing carbon emissions by 80 per cent

Nick Earl, Safran Helicopter Engines UK CEO, commented: “We strongly believe in SAF and, in parallel to deploying it at our own site, we are working closely with helicopter operators to assist them to make a smooth transition to SAF.”

Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Renewable Aviation at Neste, a strategic supplier of SAF to Safran, added: “SAF is key to enabling the aviation industry achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. SAF is a proven solution with clear climate benefits, and it is in use today, in particular in the UK.”

All Safran’s helicopter engines are already certified to operate on up to 50 per cent SAF and its objective is to certify the use of 100 per cent SAF, resulting in CO2 emissions reductions of up to 80 per cent. In September 2021, Safran conducted a ground test campaign for a Makila 2 running on 100 per cent SAF, which recently led to flight tests in an Airbus H225 in November last year. At the same time, Safran Helicopter Engines also supported the first flight of a Leonardo helicopter using SAF, an AW149 powered by its Aneto-1K turbines.