A Diamond DA42-VI training aircraft, powered by the Austro Engine AE300 from European Flight Academy, carries out a circuit of the airfield at Bremen airport. Following extensive tests and preparations, a training aircraft from the European Flight Academy made a few circuits of the airport at Bremen for the first time. The DA42-VI from the Austrian aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft was fully fueled with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This flight resulted from intensive preparation between LAT, Diamond Aircraft, and the engine manufacturer Austro Engine. Bremen Airport was deliberately chosen for this flight, as it counts among the first airports in Germany to stock and refuel with SAF provided by World Fuel Services. This SAF is obtained from oil waste, aquatic plants and soil plants in Ghent, Belgium. In the first step, the oils and fats are hydrogenated and refined similarly to fossil fuels. As a result, SAF produces up to 80 per cent fewer CO2 emissions during its life cycle.

The joint event with representatives of Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH, Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH (Diamond Aircraft Austria), Austro Engine GmbH, World Fuel Services Europe Ltd., and Bremen Airport was the kickoff for extensive tests with blended SAF. Unblended neat SAF has been proven to generate up to 80% less CO2 emissions than conventional kerosene. It is the goal of all involved parties to make the training of future Lufthansa Group pilots more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The test series results will reveal whether SAF can be used as the sole fuel for the European Flight Academy fleet in the future.

Eco-consciousness and responsible use of resources have always been at the core of Diamond Aircraft. The history started with efficient and lead-free jet-fuel engines and is going forward with electrification, alternative fuels, and propulsion systems. Diamond Aircraft and Austro Engine anticipate increasing availability of ASTM D7566 SAF blends as a “drop-in” fuel for General Aviation in the coming years and plans to release the entire fleet for this fuel mix by the end of 2025. Significant market penetration of SAFs is expected by 2030, and 100% pure SAFs will be available without blending in 2050. Source: ‘Diamond Aircraft‘.