Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has become the first business aviation company to successfully complete a high-altitude flight test campaign demonstrating the potential of 100% neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce contrail-forming particle emissions at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet.
The campaign marks the first 100% SAF flight for the Gulfstream G800 and Pearl 700 engine. The aircraft was paired with a specially modified Gulfstream G700, which was transformed into a flying emissions measurement laboratory. Operating in close formation, the aircraft enabled researchers to collect real-world measurements of particulate matter and contrail-forming characteristics at altitudes typical of business aviation.
Conducted in collaboration with the FAA’s Center of Excellence (ASCENT), NASA, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Rolls-Royce and other partners, the campaign was designed to examine how fuel composition influences non-CO2 emissions. The team compared conventional Jet A, low-sulfur Jet A and neat HEFA SAF, which contains no sulfur or aromatics. Preliminary results suggest a significant reduction in particulate emissions that contribute to contrail formation when operating on neat SAF.
Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream, said the company is focused on advancing solutions that deliver measurable environmental benefits while supporting a more sustainable future for aviation. He added that the campaign reflects Gulfstream’s approach of combining advanced technology, real-world testing and collaboration.
The campaign required months of preparation by Gulfstream’s engineering and flight test teams. This included modifying the G700 cabin to accommodate advanced in-flight emissions instrumentation. Pilots also underwent extensive training to perform the complex formation profiles required to capture near-field emissions and contrail evolution.
Rich Moore, Research Scientist at NASA, said the collaboration enabled the first high-altitude 100% SAF emissions observations, allowing the team to operate safely while collecting precise data. He added that the real-world data will help improve models and understanding of aviation’s broader environmental impact.
The campaign provides data that will help refine analytical models, inform future fuel standards and support operational strategies aimed at reducing aviation’s environmental impact.
Julie Marks, Executive Director of the FAA’s Office of Environment and Energy, said the partnership with Gulfstream provided an opportunity to help inform and quantify efforts to mitigate the impacts of persistent contrails.
