A helicopter has completed a flight from Bristol Airport to Yeovil, in Somerset, using eco-friendly fuel.
The AW149 aircraft, owned by aerospace giant Leonardo, is currently under consideration for a major new requirement from the 海角视频 government for a new medium-sized helicopter.
It was powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) during the flight.
According to Nick Whitney, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters 海角视频, depending on the blend, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
“What this means is a cleaner option to fly and we can make it available to customers across our helicopter fleet, not just the AW149,” he explained.
“The capability is available and enables our operators to make a greener choice for future flights.”
Leonardo has committed to net-zero carbon emissions from its operations in the 海角视频 by 2030.
Jane Cumisky, head of sustainability at Leonardo, said the company is “committed” to accelerating the advancement and adoption of SAF within the aviation industry.
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“At Leonardo there is a recognised need for change and that means being conscious of our own operations and of the products we build, and the services we provide for our customers,” she said.
Leonardo is already part of the European Aviation Safety Agency’s working group, exploring pathways for more sustainable aviation towards net-zero emissions.
The company has announced plans to share its innovation at the iAero Centre, at Bunford Lane in Yeovil. The facility offers space for collaboration and innovation among local aerospace supply chain businesses in a major aerospace technology development project led by Somerset County Council.
Mr Whitney added: “Yeovil continues to be a key centre of innovation in the aerospace sector in the 海角视频. We are committed to reducing emissions and investing in new concepts and technologies in the vertical flight domain.”
Bristol Airport, meanwhile, is being used as a testbed for a number of new technologies and aviation trials. In June, it launched a fund to support decarbonisation projects in the South West that focus on emissions from flights and transport activity to and from the hub.
Chief executive David Lees announced earlier in the year the transport hub would also be the 海角视频's first net zero airport (without needing to offset) by 2030 - 20 years before the Government's own target.
Simon Earles, sustainability and corporate affairs director for Bristol Airport, added: “Our region has a unique cluster of aerospace companies, expertise, and world-leading universities.
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“We are collaborating on a number of exciting new initiatives, with the Airport being the testbed for new technology.”
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