In a significant stride towards more sustainable aviation, IAE International Aero Engines AG (IAE AG) has successfully tested its venerable V2500 jet engine using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Conducted at MTU Maintenance Hannover in Germany, this milestone underscores the industry’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
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Veteran V2500 Jet Engine Achieves Milestone by Running on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The V2500, a two-shaft high-bypass turbofan engine, has been in service for over 30 years, powering the Airbus A320 family, the McDonnell Douglas MD-90, and the Embraer C-390 Millennium. With nearly 3,000 V2500-powered aircraft currently in operation, this successful test run on 100% SAF holds immense potential for the aviation sector’s sustainability efforts.
“This test with 100% SAF demonstrates that V2500 engines can continue contributing towards making aviation more sustainable in the decades ahead,” stated Kim Kinsley, president of IAE AG and vice president of Mature Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “We anticipate the majority of our eight IAE company shops will be prepared to use SAF in their operations in the next few years.”
Sustainable aviation fuel, as defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is a liquid fuel currently used in commercial aviation that can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. It can be produced from various feedstocks, including waste oil and fats, green and municipal waste, and non-food crops, ensuring that its production does not compete with food crops, water supplies, or contribute to forest degradation.
During the V2500 engine test, Neste, a leading SAF producer, provided 100% hydroprocessed esters, fatty acids, and synthetic paraffinic kerosine (HEFA-SPK) fuel, which is derived from renewable raw materials like waste oils or fats.
“MTU Maintenance Hannover is the first maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility worldwide to carry out a 100% SAF test on a V2500,” said Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines. “This test demonstrates our commitment to supporting greater use of SAF across both our entire network and the broader industry.”
The V2500 engine class is renowned for its fuel efficiency, offering up to 3% better fuel burn and fewer emissions than earlier-generation engines, resulting in considerable fuel savings and lower emissions. While currently authorized for blends of up to 50% SAF with conventional jet fuel, this successful test run on 100% SAF paves the way for further advancements in sustainable aviation.
As IAE AG, a multinational consortium comprising Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation, and MTU Aero Engines AG, reaffirms its dedication to supporting the industry’s sustainability goals, this milestone achievement with the veteran V2500 engine serves as a testament to the collective efforts towards a more environmentally responsible aviation future.
