Embraer and renewable fuels producer Raizen signed a letter of intent Sunday at the Farnborough Airshow committing the two companies to stimulate the development of the so-called sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production ecosystem. While the agreement “aims to boost the sustainability of the value chain as a whole,” according to Embraer v-p of people, ESG and communications Carlos Albert Griner, much of the SAF produced under the commitment will go to Embraer, which will become the first aircraft manufacturer to use SAF from Raizen.
Though the companies announced no production targets, plans call for Raizen to help Embraer reach the goal of having SAF blends represent 100 percent of its fuel consumption in Brazil, where both companies base their operations, by 2030. Embraer seeks to neutralize the carbon footprint of its own operations by 2040, and noted 60 percent of its emissions come from the use of aviation fuel in test and production flights.
The signing comes on the heels of a June demonstration flight Embraer conducted in Florida in partnership with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, in which an E195-E2 used 100 percent SAF to power one engine of the transport aircraft. Currently certified to fly on 50 percent SAF, Embraer will seek certification for the use of 100 percent SAF in the aircraft, though it has not revealed a timetable.