Pratt & Whitney Canada and Leonardo have completed the first AW139 flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel, also marking the first time a PT6 engine has been flown using 100% SAF.
The 75 minute flight and ground tests took place at Leonardo's facility in Cascina Costa di Samarate, Italy, during which no significant differences were noted. “This is the first time a PT6 engine has been flown using 100% SAF, marking this as a significant milestone for the unrivalled engine series,” noted Maria Della Posta, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada.
“This flight… provides a positive way forward to the many operators carrying out missions in all weather conditions as they aim for more ambitious sustainability goals,” added Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director, Leonardo Helicopters.