CHC Helikopter Service of Norway has become the first to fly the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter on sustainable aviation fuel. The flight was completed using synthetic paraffinic kerosene (HEFA-SPK), one of seven types of approved SAF available today. HEFA-SPK is produced from waste and residual feedstock such as used cooking oil.

Lockheed Martin, parent company of Sikorsky, has approved the use of SAF in the S-92 as an alternative to standard aviation fuel. The approval comes as more aviation companies are taking steps to become more environmentally friendly, including transitioning to SAF derived from renewable non-fossil fuel sources.

“As a corporation, we are committed to sustainability, and I am proud that our S-92 helicopter is playing a role in a more sustainable future,” says Jason Lambert, Sikorsky’s vice president of global commercial and military systems.

GE Aviation manufactures the CT7-8A engines that power the S-92 and supports Sikorsky’s ambitions to reduce carbon emissions through the use of SAF. GE is heavily involved in the qualifying and testing of approved SAF blends.

“The S-92’s first flight using SAF further demonstrates how it can be used today with our CT7 engines to lower CO₂ emissions,” says Harry Nahatis, vice president and general manager of GE turboshaft engine programmes. “All GE engines are capable of using approved SAF blends without any modifications, and we firmly believe flights like this demonstrate how SAF can contribute to more sustainable flight across the aviation industry.”