Gulfstream Aerospace has become the first company to earn the National Aeronautic Association's new Sustainable Wings certification following recent roundtrip, record-setting flights from Savannah, Georgia to San Francisco, California and back to Savannah.

NAA's Sustainable Wings certification recognises records that are set using sustainable aviation fuel. SAF is a fully approved drop-in alternative to traditional Jet-A fuel and does not require any testing or modifications prior to use, giving operators an immediate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Gulfstream president Mark Burns says: “Gulfstream and the National Aeronautic Association share a commitment to demonstrating environmentally friendly practices in the business aviation industry. Being the first to achieve Sustainable Wings certification on a speed record is a reflection of that commitment and illustrates SAF's ease of use, which helps us raise its visibility as part of our efforts to increase availability around the world.”

NAA president Greg Principato adds: “Aviation must become more sustainable and is becoming more sustainable. As the official record keeper of American aviation for more than a century it is incumbent on NAA to recognise this and to encourage the use of sustainable fuels and practices. A more sustainable industry is an industry with a bright future. We believe this programme is one of many initiatives that will encourage a more sustainable industry.”

Details of the records, flown on 24 July by the Gulfstream demonstration team in a G500, are: Savannah to San Francisco: 548.80 mph (four hours, 17 minutes); and San Francisco to Savannah: 546.67 mph (four hours, 18 minutes).

“Records flown using fuel that meets the ASTM international standards for SAF can apply for our Sustainable Wings certification,” explains NAA director Art Greenfield. “We hope that this new certification will increase awareness and encourage others to make the switch to SAF as it becomes more readily available.”

A special Sustainable Wings certification seal will be added to NAA's certificate of record for all flights earning the recognition.

The National Aeronautic Association is a non-profit, membership organisation devoted to fostering America's aerospace leadership and promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight to the US.