Emirates and GE Aviation have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a programme that will see the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER, powered by GE90 engines, conduct a test flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel by the end of 2022. The carrier says it will work closely with regulators to secure approvals for experimental type certification, and will also coordinate with airframe, auxiliary power unit and original equipment manufacturers on pre- and post-flight requirements, in addition to closely working with SAF suppliers on procurement and delivery logistics. The demonstration flight also supports both companies’ broader efforts to reduce CO2 emissions as the industry looks to scale up its use of SAF. Currently, SAF approved for use is a blend of petroleum-based Jet A or Jet A-1 fuel and a SAF component with a maximum blend limit of 50%. In addition to customer support, GE Aviation will complete necessary technical reviews to confirm the engines will meet performance specifications and provide any pre- and post-flight directions as needed. Emirates’ chief operating officer Adel Al Redha states: “Emirates is committed to supporting initiatives that help minimise its CO2 emissions, and we’ve already made great strides in fuel efficiency and conservation as well as operational advancements across different areas of our business.” The airline’s first flight powered by SAF was in 2017, operating from the Chicago O’Hare airport. Emirates received its first Airbus A380 powered by SAF in December 2020, and also uplifted 32t of SAF for its flights from Stockholm earlier that year, with the support of Swedavia’s Biofuel Incentive Programme. Flights from Oslo have also begun operating on SAF under the Norwegian government SAF mandate policy.

Air Tanzania has placed an order with Boeing for a 787-8, a 767-300 Freighter and two 737 Max jets. The deal, announced at the Dubai air show, had previously been listed on Boeing's orders and deliveries website but assigned to an unidentified customer. Air Tanzania will use the aircraft to expand into new markets across its home continent of Africa, Asia, and Europe, says Boeing. The Dar es Salaam-based flag carrier already has two 787-8s in service, data shows. It also operates four Airbus A220-300's and five De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400's. "Adding to our 787 fleet, the introduction of the 737 Max and 767 Freighter will give Air Tanzania exceptional capability and flexibility to meet passenger and cargo demand within Africa and beyond," states chief executive Ladislaus Matindi.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will pilot the use of sustainable aviation fuel in partnership with Singapore Airlines and investment company Temasek. On 10 November, a request for proposals was called to invite select SAF producers and fuel suppliers to develop and execute plans to deliver blended SAF to the Changi airport, the authority says in a release. The pilot will commence in 2022 and is expected to run for a year. The pilot is a follow-up to an earlier study conducted by the Singapore government and industry players on the operational and commercial viability of using SAF at Changi airport. CAAS’ director-general Han Kok Juan states: “Sustainability will be a key priority of the aviation sector as it recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and SAF will be a critical enabler in the sector’s decarbonisation efforts. The pilot which will incorporate the blending of neat SAF in local facilities, certification of blended SAF, and delivery to Changi airport is a significant step to operationally validate SAF integration options in Singapore. “It will provide insights on end-to-end cost components, potential pricing structures for cost recovery and support future policy considerations for SAF deployment.” Singapore Airlines’ senior vice-president corporate planning Lee Wen Fen states: “Sustainable fuels will be one of the key decarbonisation levers in the aviation sector, and we are pleased to partner CAAS and Temasek on this pilot in Singapore. “This will support the SIA Group’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, reinforcing our long-standing strategy of working towards decarbonisation and environmental sustainability across our operations.”