Diamond Aircraft has announced the successful maiden flight of one of its DA42-VI light twin aircraft using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Bremen Airport (EDDW) in Germany. This aircraft is part of the training fleet for the European Flight Academy, operated by Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT). After testing and preparation involving Diamond, LAT, and engine manufacturer Austro Engine, the aircraft conducted circuits around the airport.
The joint initiative marks the beginning of extensive testing with blended SAF, aimed at enhancing the sustainability of flight training for Lufthansa pilots. The results of these tests will play a crucial role in determining whether SAF can eventually become the primary fuel for the European Flight Academy. Diamond Aircraft and Austro Engine have plans to increase the availability of SAF blends as a "drop-in" fuel for general aviation, with the goal of transitioning the entire fleet to use the blended fuel by the end of 2025.
Bremen Airport was chosen for this demonstration flight because it is one of the first airports in Germany to stock SAF provided by World Fuel Services. The SAF used in this project is refined from oil waste, aquatic plants, and soil-based plants in Ghent, Belgium. The refining process includes hydrogenating the oils and fats before refining them in a manner similar to fossil fuels, according to Diamond Aircraft.