IAE AG Successfully Tests V2500 engine on 100% SAF

By Len Varley - Assistant Editor 4 Min Read
4 Min Read
A V2500 engine operating on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
Photo Credit: IAE AG

IAE International Aero Engines AG (IAE) has successfully conducted a test run of the V2500 engine using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at MTU Maintenance Hannover in Germany.

IAE is a joint venture of industry leaders: Pratt & Whitney (RTX), Japanese Aero Engines, and MTU Aero Engines.

The V2500 engine currently powers the Airbus A320ceo family of aircraft and the Embraer C-390 Millennium.

V2500 Engine Test

“This 100% SAF test demonstrates the V2500 engine’s capability to contribute to sustainable aviation in the coming decades,” said Kim Kinsley, President of IAE AG and Vice President of Mature Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney.

“With nearly 3,000 V2500-powered aircraft in service, IAE recognizes its vital role in supporting the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.”

“We anticipate that the majority of our eight IAE company shops will be prepared to utilize SAF in their operations within the next few years.”

Engineers tested the V2500 engine with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This consisted of Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (HEFA-SPK) fuel supplied by Neste.

HEFA-SPK takes waste oils or fats and uses a process called hydrotreating to turn them into aviation turbine fuel. This makes HEFA-SPK a leading sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuels.

Pratt & Whitney remains committed to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). They’re working closely with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) and ASTM International to define future specifications.

Supporting SAF Uptake Strategy

“MTU Maintenance Hannover is the first maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility worldwide to carry out a 100% SAF test on a V2500 engine,” said Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines.

“This test demonstrates our commitment to supporting greater use of SAF across our entire network and the broader industry.”

“We remain dedicated to working with IAE, suppliers, and partners to ensure not only that our products can operate with SAF but also that our maintenance, repair, and overhaul infrastructure can support all operators and owners with their SAF testing requirements.”

The aviation industry sees Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a key tool to lessen its environmental impact. By using SAF, the industry can move towards its long-term sustainability goals.

Pressure to fight climate change and cut greenhouse gases continues to grow. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) emerges as a hopeful replacement for traditional fossil jet fuels.

The use of SAF can substantially lower the carbon footprint of air travel. The production process utilizes renewable sources like waste oils, agricultural residues, and other sustainable feedstocks.

This not only reduces the reliance on finite fossil fuel resources but also helps to mitigate the aviation sector’s contribution to global emissions.

Additionally, SAF has the potential to improve air quality by reducing particulate matter and other harmful emissions associated with traditional jet fuel combustion.

Furthermore, the development and adoption of SAF align with international and national policies. These are aimed at promoting renewable energy sources and transitioning towards a more sustainable aviation industry.

The V2500 Engine

The V2500 engine offers the most fuel-efficient propulsion system in its class. It offers up to a 3% fuel burn and emissions advantage over previous-generation engines. This results in significant fuel savings and lower emissions.

It is approved for operation on SAF blended at up to 50% with conventional Jet A and A-1 fuel. The V2500 is a versatile engine, powering commercial, cargo, and military platforms. It now boasts a 35-year history of providing reliable and efficient performance.


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By Len Varley Assistant Editor
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Now the Assistant Editor with AviationSource, I have almost 40 years' experience in aviation, starting in Australian flight crew and training. I worked as CFI/Chief Pilot with 2 organisations and was also a CASA approved testing officer and aeronautics lecturer. This led to components procurement for civil operators and the RAAF, and then maintenance programming with a global airborne geo-survey operator.