Airbus is helping the German Air Force in its long-term transformation to increase the sustainability of its aircraft fleet. Airbus is operating with the German Air Force towards providing the Luftwaffe with a technical allowance to commence national A400M flight trials with loads of up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the near term.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
SAF is a proven alternative fuel that can decrease life cycle CO2 emissions by up to 85 percent compared to conventional fuel. By that, Germany, which has a total of 53 units on order, is evolving as the first customer nation to launch a gradual transformation to SAF for their operating A400M fleet.
Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence and Space
“The Luftwaffe’s objective is to launch a change towards sustainability of their fleet. Their mission is ours. We are gladly helping these important efforts, not only for the A400M but their whole fleet of Airbus aircraft, ranging from VIP transport to fighter jets,” told Mike Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence and Space.
“Moving towards a more sustainable future is the fundamental responsibility of everybody. Switching from petroleum-based kerosene to sustainable fuels plays a big part in aviation’s efforts to cut CO2 emissions. Our government aircraft are already cleared for SAF. Operating closely with the industry we are eager to ultimately certify the A400M as well. Looking into the future we are supporting all activities to introduce SAF for our entire fleet including fast jet aircraft”, said Lt.Gen. Ingo Gerhartz, Chief of the German Air Force.
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Besides supporting national customer activities, Airbus has launched on a long-term roadmap toward reaching 100 percent SAF readiness and certification for the A400M.
Airbus plans a test flight of an A400M aircraft with
As a first step, in 2022, Airbus plans a test flight of an A400M aircraft with a fuel load of up to 50 percent SAF. This initial test flight will be conducted with one engine to better assess the aircraft’s overall behavior. Upon successful completion of this one-engine flight, Airbus is hoping to resume four-engine trials in 2023.
Once testing activities are completed based on four engines, the A400M platform will formally be permitted for customers with access to 50 percent SAF.
Furthermore, Airbus, OCCAR, and the A400M Nations are engaged in initial discussions to develop the roadmap towards the certification and operational use of 100 percent SAF.
This is something that will not happen overnight. This type of fuel first demands to be assessed technically by the engine manufacturer before we can commence with flight tests to certify the TP 400M engines for 100 percent SAF.
Today, this type of fuel is not yet completely standardized nor tested. We are in the preliminary stages for an initial feasibility check”, told Schellhorn. “This engine-level plan would be integrated with the required flight test activities at Airbus level for final A400M certification.”
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