Textron delivering new aircraft fully-fuelled with SAF

Textron Aviation is offering customers the option to choose an initial tank containing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with delivery of new Beechcraft turboprop and Cessna turboprop and jet aircraft. Textron’s Wichita Service Center customers also have the option of refuelling with SAF from now on.

Christi Tannahill, Senior Vice President, customer experience, said: “SAF equips air travellers with the ability to lessen the impact of their journeys on our planet and we are proud to be making this fuel type available as part of our new aircraft delivery experience.”

Tannahill continued: “SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s lifecycle, compared to those made from fossil sources and provides an active way for the aviation industry to lower its overall carbon footprint. In 2019, Textron Aviation flew a wide array of aircraft to major industry events such as EBACE and NBAA-BACE using SAF, and it is something we will seek to do for future events. Offering SAF for customer deliveries demonstrates an important next step in Textron Aviation’s commitment to sustainability.”

General and business aviation is a frontrunner in having developed internationally agreed-upon carbon emission reduction standards for both aircraft and operators. Air bp and Neste have signed an agreement to offer five times the volume of SAF to airport customers in 2020 and 2021 compared with last year’s level. Last November saw Bombardier receive its first shipment of SAF at its Montreal facility, from Avfuel Corporation.

Meanwhile, Textron signed a 20-year wind energy agreement with Evergy, Inc. This initiative will meet nearly all electricity needs through renewable wind energy across the company’s facilities located in Wichita and Independence, Kansas.