A new study from The University of Manchester tested the emissions of an aircraft using SAF finding a large reduction when compared to regular jet fuel.

They concluded that SAF has the potential to reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions in aviation by up to 80% compared to hydrocarbon standard jet fuel. Extensive testing was carried out in the FAAM Airborne Laboratory Bae-146 aircraft.

In addition, on October 13, 2023, Boeing announced it is partnering with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Chicago-based commercial airline United Airlines for in-flight testing to measure how SAF affects contrails and non-carbon emissions.

Boeing's second ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 737-10 destined for United Airlines, will fly with 100% SAF and conventional jet fuel in separate tanks and alternate fuels during testing. NASA's DC-8 Airborne Science Lab will fly behind the commercial jet and measure emissions produced by each type of fuel and contrail ice particles. NASA satellites will capture images of contrail formation as part of the testing.

Corval’s Robert Weir and Juan Briceno from Benchmark attended the recently held SAF Conference in Minneapolis and learned of new SAF projects and technologies moving forward to fulfill commercial/general aviation goals and SAF requirements.