The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) The Red Arrows have completed their first full public air display using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford.
After having previously only completed flypasts using SAF, the Red Arrows will perform their aerobatic displays this weekend using SAF as well as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) instead of diesel for their trademark red white and blue smoke trails.
In the build to RIAT Squadron Leader Andy King, the Red Arrows’ Senior Engineering Officer and who led the pioneering fuels project, said: “At the heart of the Royal International Air Tattoo is a mission to inspire future generations of aviators – a goal shared by the Red Arrows. This makes this year’s Air Tattoo an ideal occasion to showcase the Red Arrows’ ground-breaking, world-leading move to more sustainable fuels – powering a display that has the same thrilling, entertaining and exciting aerobatics and teamwork that has captivated millions of enthusiasts at the show across the decades.”
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel, made from renewable or waste-derived sources like used cooking oil, agricultural residues, or non-food crops. It can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil fuels. SAF is compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, making it a practical solution for decarbonising aviation.
While production is currently limited and more expensive than regular jet fuel, scaling up SAF is considered essential for meeting global aviation climate targets.
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