Embraer accelerates SAF testing in Brazil

Embraer will accelerate studies to enable its aircraft to fly on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) entirely from renewable sources, without blending with fossil fuels. This progress is related to the company's first acquisition of a 100% SAF batch in Brazil, facilitated by Vibra, Brazil's largest fuel distributor and one of its largest energy companies. With this sample, testing will be intensified on the reaction of different materials present in aircraft during prolonged contact with the biofuel.

"Access to SAF in Brazil ensures greater dynamism in the testing conducted at Embraer headquarters. With this additional initiative, we are closer to the goal of having our aircraft capable of operating on 100% SAF fuel by 2030," says André Tachard, Global Head of ESG at Embraer.

Despite the great potential for SAF production, Brazil still lacks the product on a large scale. For this reason, Embraer's studies on the subject were being conducted exclusively through laboratories in the United States and Europe. In addition to the costs and administrative processes involved, there was another challenge: selling SAF only in large volumes, disproportionate to the limited needs of routine laboratory work.

Technical aspects and feasibility

With the first acquisition of this batch in Brazil, Embraer is testing the compatibility of entirely renewable SAF with non-metallic materials. The goal is to observe their behavior when in direct contact with biofuel on a persistent basis, considering the specific characteristics of wing tanks in commercial, executive, and military jets. The results will contribute to public discussion on technical aspects important to the entire aviation sector.

"Partnerships like the one we have with Embraer are essential to accelerating the energy transition in aviation. By enabling access to SAF in Brazil, we are not only contributing to the technical studies of one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, but also fostering the development of a strategic market for the decarbonization of the sector," says Marcelo Bragança, Vice President of Operations at Vibra.

The biofuel currently being tested at Embraer was imported from Belgium and is available at the base located at Tom Jobim Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro. The facility has received ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) EU and CORSIA certification, which guarantees sustainability tracking throughout the product's supply chain, including distribution through BR Aviation, Vibra's aircraft refueling business unit.

SAF has the potential to reduce carbon emissions in the aerospace industry by up to 80% compared to traditional fuel. Currently, all Embraer aircraft are capable of operating on a blend of up to 50% of this fuel. In recent years, the company has advanced studies to enable its aircraft to fly on 100% SAF, aiming for the goal of obtaining certification for this by 2030.