General Aviation Textron Aviation offers sustainable fuel for jet deliveries

Textron Aviation has announced, that the group´s companies Beechcraft and Cessna will offer the option to deliver new aircraft using an initial tank that contains Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The option will be available for turboprop aircraft.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel delivers a cleaner source of fuel to power turbine aircraft and is a commitment to implement alternative fuel options in order to lower the environmental impact. Other manufacturers like Airbus or Boeing are also offering sustainable fuel solutions on deliveries.

Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience, said: “SAF equips air travellers with the ability to lessen the impact of their journeys on our planet, and we are proud to be making this fuel type available as part of our new aircraft delivery experience.”

Internationally, the aviation industry and especially the general and business aviation sector have agreed on working and developing on new solutions to reduce carbon emission for both aircraft and operators. By 2050, the industry is committed to achieve carbon neutral growth and reducing CO2 emissions by 50%.

“SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s lifecycle, compared to those made from fossil sources and provides an active way for the aviation industry to lower its overall carbon footprint.  In 2019, Textron Aviation flew a wide array of aircraft to major industry events such as EBACE and NBAA-BACE using SAF, and it is something we will seek to do for future events.  Offering SAF for customer deliveries demonstrates an important next step in Textron Aviation’s commitment to sustainability,” Tannahill added.

To reach the goals, Textron Aviation is working together with various companies and organizations in increase the overall awareness of SAF to possible customers. Textron supports initiatives from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Business Aviation Association and the European Business Aviation Association.

Earlier this year, Textron announced that it has signed an initiative with Evergy, which will see the companies´ facilities in Wichita and Independence being supplied with renewable wind energy. The program will help Textron to achieve its long-term sustainability goals.