Japan-based operator Nakanihon Air (NNK) has performed the country's first ever helicopter flight powered with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). NNK's Airbus H215 helicopter conducted a 30 minute flight at Nagoya airport in Aichi Prefecture.

The aircraft was fuelled with 600 litres of SUSTEO 10, a renewable jet fuel produced by Japan's first biofuel manufacturer Euglena, that has met the specifications of both international and Japanese standards of diesel fuels ASTM D1655 and JIS K 2204 respectively. SUSTEO contains 10 per cent SAF mixed with Jet A-1.

“We are happy to collaborate with Airbus Helicopters in Japan and Euglena on sustainability efforts for Japan's sky, achieving the first SAF helicopter flight together,” says NNK president Hajime Futagami. “Today's SAF flight trial is very important for our company as we work on the reduction of the CO2 emitted during flights in an effort to tackle climate change issues. The locally produced SAF is an immediate approach towards reducing carbon emissions for the helicopter market. We are looking forward to the continued support from Airbus on our wide-ranging activities in Japan, with the enhanced precision and stability we require.”

“We are pleased to launch this milestone SAF flight together with our long-standing customer as we work towards decarbonisation,” adds AHJ managing director Guillaume Leprince. “As a leader in the Japanese helicopter market, this SAF powered flight is an important step in a shared vision we have with stakeholders in the helicopter market and the industry to reduce CO2 emissions in the country. The H215 has fully demonstrated its ability and readiness to provide enhanced mission efficiency and performance our customers have come to expect.”

The twin engine, heavy-lift H215 is a member of the Super Puma helicopter family, known for its high availability rate, performance, and competitive operating costs.

Today, all Airbus Helicopters are certified to fly with up to a 50 per cent blend of SAF mixed with kerosene, with the aim to reach 100 per cent SAF in coordination with engine manufacturers.