On Tuesday, May 20, Líder Aviação carried out the first general aviation flight in the country using SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). The operations were carried out in Rio de Janeiro by a helicopter serving the energy company Equinor, transporting professionals to offshore platforms.
SAF is a sustainable fuel that has reduced carbon emissions throughout its life cycle – emissions are around 80% lower compared to traditional aviation kerosene. The aircraft, model S92, was fueled by Vibra, the only supplier of this fuel in Brazil, through BR Aviation, its business unit for aircraft fueling and related activities.
The flight departed from Jacarepaguá Airport and was fueled with a blend composed of 10% SAF and 90% fossil JET A, as authorized by ANP (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels) and certified by the Fuel Testing Laboratory of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), which reinforces the safety and traceability of the process.
On the flight carried out, considering the blend and the emissions reduction potential of SAF, approximately 9% less CO2 was emitted.
The biofuel used was produced from used cooking oil called UCO (Used Cooking Oil). Reusing waste as a raw material for the production of biofuels transforms an environmental liability into a solution with a high positive impact on decarbonization, representing a significant advance in of innovation and climate responsibility. SAF is a fuel technically called drop-in, and the mentioned blend can be used in current engines without the need for adaptation, allowing a gradual transition to a cleaner and more efficient aviation model. The fuel is stored at Galeão International Airport (GIG), which has ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) certification for this type of storage.
