RAF's Poseidon, Globemaster and Chinook now cleared to use sustainable fuel

Military aircraft built by Boeing - including those in use with the Royal Air Force - have been cleared to operate on a mix of up to 50:50 conventional fuel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The announcement made by the aircraft manufacturer at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford offers massive potential to reduce carbon emissions over the next 30 years in all aviation segments.

"SAF is widely accepted today as a drop-in replacement that works with existing aircraft, and also provides opportunities for global interoperability as well as strategic resilience through local fuel production," said Boeing official Steve Parker.

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"Boeing's announcement at RIAT that all their military aircraft can operate on a 50% blend of SAF is a welcome step in the more widespread adoption of SAF by air forces around the world," said Air Vice-Marshal Shaun Harris.

"As a result of previous work in 2020, the RAF cleared all of its military aircraft for 50% SAF.

"We have continued to be at the forefront of trailing the use of SAF with the data we have gathered informing the MOD's Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy.

"As well as contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions, more widespread adoption of SAF amongst our allies will enhance global interoperability, maintaining our ability to operate anywhere that the RAF is required."

Boeing defence aircraft have been cleared by the global No Technical Objection (NTO) to operate on synthetic aviation turbine fuels, which includes SAF.

Unblended, or 'neat' SAF, which is free of fossil fuels, can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 84% compared to conventional jet fuel and offers the industry's largest potential to reduce carbon emissions over the next 30 years in all aviation segments.

Currently, the maximum allowable limit for SAF is a 50-50 blend with conventional fossil fuels.

The NTO applies to all Boeing-built defence aircraft and their derivatives.

These aircraft include the RAF Poseidon, C-17 Globemaster, and Chinook aircraft, furthermore this standard can also be applied to the new Wedgetail aircraft.