A Milestone Achievement
Leonardo and Pratt & Whitney Canada have proudly announced the landmark achievement of the AW139 intermediate twin helicopter‘s first flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This groundbreaking event took place at Leonardo’s premises in Cascina Costa di Samarate, Italy, on the 21st of November. The test, which lasted for 75 minutes, scrutinized the engine’s performance under various power settings alongside other critical systems, demonstrating an excellent adaptation to the SAF without noticeable disparities when compared to traditional Jet A1 fuel usage.
Innovation in Sustainable Aviation
This pioneering flight signifies a historic milestone for both Leonardo’s helicopter division and the prestigious Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine family. Notably, the AW139 helicopters have previously conducted flights using SAF, albeit blended with conventional jet fuel, across diverse locations including Japan, Malaysia, and the UAE, adhering to the existing certification standards. Leonardo’s entire helicopter product line is certified for operations using SAF, up to a 50% blend ratio, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable aviation.
AW139: A Testament to Excellence
The 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight of the AW139 underscores the helicopter’s superior design and operational performance. As the leading helicopter in its class, the AW139 boasts over 1,100 units in service globally, amassing nearly 4 million flight hours. This achievement not only reflects the aircraft’s versatility across various missions and environmental conditions but also its potential in aiding operators to achieve ambitious sustainability targets.
Commitment to Sustainability
Gian Piero Cutillo, the Managing Director at Leonardo Helicopters, expressed the organization’s dedication to supporting the aviation industry’s swift transition towards sustainability. He emphasized that the successful test flight with the AW139 highlights the feasibility of maintaining high performance while significantly reducing CO2 emissions through the use of SAF. Furthermore, Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of this flight in demonstrating the PT6 engine’s capability with 100% SAF and its role in fostering a more sustainable future in aviation.
