On the occasion of EBACE Connect, the virtual European business aviation convention and exhibition, Rolls-Royce and Luxaviation Group have signed a memorandum of understanding that will make the Luxembourgian company, which is one of the world's largest business aircraft operators, the launch customer for SAFinity, Rolls-Royce's new service.

Rolls-Royce is strengthening its commitment to sustainable aviation fuel by launching SAFinity, which will initially cater for business aviation customers. As a first of its kind, the flexible programme combines independently verified sustainability projects with a direct investment in SAF, aiming to further support and accelerate its availability and use in the aviation industry.

SAFinity enables business aviation customers to operate flights in a carbon neutral way. It is available for all business aircraft and engines from any manufacturer and is part of Rolls-Royce's ongoing ambition to play a leading role in enabling the sectors in which it operates to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

Head of sustainability projects at Luxaviation Group Nicolas Kroll says: “This partnership with Rolls-Royce is a further manifestation of Luxaviation's corporate sustainability strategy that has seen the launch of a number of initiatives in 2021. We have been integrating sustainability into our decision-making process for a number of years already to improve our ways of operating, as part of our promise to our customers and employees. We seek to continuously improve the way we do business and strive to offer a sustainable journey, both on the ground and in the air. To achieve this, industry engagement and partnerships are key to success. In this spirit, we are very proud to partner with Rolls-Royce for the roll-out of its SAFinity programme for business aviation.”

Rolls-Royce Deutschland senior VP of strategy and future programmes Frank Moesta adds: “As the leader in business aviation services we are excited about bringing our pioneering service SAFinity to the market, and with Luxaviation Group we have found the perfect, sustainability-focused launch partner to start at reasonable scale. While we are also working on electrification or hydrogen technologies as long term alternatives to fossil fuels, the use of SAF as a low emission solution is essential to today's decarbonisation of long distance air travel, and we actively support the ramp-up of its availability to the aviation industry.”

In recent tests, Rolls-Royce has demonstrated that current engines for large civil and business jet applications can operate with 100 per cent SAF as a full ‘drop-in’ option, laying the groundwork for moving this type of fuel towards certification. At present, SAF is only certified for blends of up to 50 per cent with conventional jet fuel. Unblended SAFs have the potential to significantly reduce net CO2 lifecycle emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.