{"id":9308,"date":"2026-07-10T11:40:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T10:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenairnews.com\/?p=9308"},"modified":"2026-07-10T12:20:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T11:20:40","slug":"high-altitude-testing-of-a-100-saf-powered-gulfstream-business-jet-shows-significant-non-co2-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenairnews.com\/?p=9308","title":{"rendered":"High altitude testing of a 100% SAF-powered Gulfstream business jet shows significant non-CO2 benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Preliminary results from high altitude testing of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 700-powered Gulfstream G800 business jet suggest a significant measurable reduction in the particulate emissions that contribute to contrail formation when operating on neat sustainable aviation fuel. The test campaign, which marked the first 100% SAF flight of the aircraft and engine type, was designed to isolate how fuel composition influences non-CO2 emissions. The G800 was paired with a specially modified G700 transformed into a flying emissions measurement laboratory. The Gulfstream campaign was conducted in collaboration with the FAA\u2019s Center of Excellence (ASCENT), NASA, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Missouri University of Science and Technology, Aerodyne Research, Rolls-Royce, SAF supplier Montana Renewables and World Fuel Services.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThis campaign reflects our strategy to lead with advanced technology, real-world testing and meaningful collaboration to better understand and reduce aviation\u2019s environmental impact,\u201d said Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The G800 and G700 operated in close formation (see photo below<\/em>) that enabled researchers to capture precise, real-world measurements of particulate matter and contrail-forming atmospheric characteristics at higher altitudes \u2013 typically up to 50,000 feet for business aviation \u2013 than flown by most commercial airliners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The campaign<\/a> involved months of preparation by Gulfstream\u2019s engineering and flight test teams, including the modification to the G700 cabin. The company\u2019s pilots trained in simulators to execute complex formation profiles needed to capture both near-field emissions and contrail evolution several miles in-trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research team compared conventional Jet A, low-sulphur Jet A and neat HEFA SAF, which contains no sulphur or aromatics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gulfstream says the programme has provided valuable data that will be shared with the broader aviation and atmospheric science communities. \u201cThese insights will help refine analytical models, inform future fuel standards and support the development of operational strategies to reduce aviation\u2019s environmental impact,\u201d it adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rich Moore, a research scientist at NASA, responded: \u201cThis real-world data is essential to improving our models and understanding aviation\u2019s broader environmental impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The partnership with Gulfstream would help inform and quantify efforts to mitigate the impacts of persistent contrails, said Julie Marks, Executive Director of the FAA\u2019s Office of Environment and Energy. \u201cWe appreciate the collaboration with industry as the FAA continues to evaluate how SAF may help reduce persistent contrails,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Observed Alan Newby, Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce: \u201cThe valuable insights we have gained from these latest tests at high altitudes, as well as the data from projects like QRITOS<\/a> or ECLIF3<\/a>, are driving real progress in understanding aviation\u2019s non-CO2 climate impacts and potential mitigation options.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To date, Gulfstream says its aircraft have flown more than 3.5 million nautical miles on SAF blends. This includes the industry\u2019s first transatlantic flight using SAF in one engine in 2011 and the industry\u2019s first transatlantic flight powered by 100% SAF in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs aviation continues its work in optimising environmental efficiencies, Gulfstream is focused on advancing solutions that deliver measurable impact today while shaping a more sustainable future for flight,\u201d said Burns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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