Changi, Singapore. 18 February 2024 . As part of its presence at the Singapore Airshow, Airbus has flown in its latest generation A350-1000 widebody aircraft. This aircraft will participate in the flying display from 20 – 22 February.
The A350 is being powered for the flying displays with a 35% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), supplied by Shell Aviation and certified via the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU requirements. The SAF component was produced via the HEFA-SPK pathway from feedstock of used cooking oil and tallow. The SAF refuelling was performed at the Changi Airport, in association with ST-Airport Services, Changi Airport Group and SATS.
As a major lever in the journey towards the decarbonisation of the aerospace industry, SAF brings an average 80% reduction in carbon emissions over the life cycle compared with fossil fuels, from production to end use. All Airbus aircraft are already able to operate with up to 50% SAF. Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.
Powered by the latest generation engines from Rolls-Royce, the newest generation A350 brings a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions when compared with previous-generation aircraft of a similar size. This makes an immediate contribution to industry goals to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment with every aircraft replacement.
Flying up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 km) non-stop the A350 is now firmly established as the world’s long range leader and is already in service with 40 airlines worldwide. These include 17 airlines from the Asia-Pacific region, which operate the type primarily on intercontinental routes.
The A350 is operated by Singapore Airlines on the world’s longest commercial route today between Singapore and New York. It is set to fly even further in the future, having been ordered by Australia’s Qantas to overcome some of the last frontiers for non-stop air travel, including from Sydney to London.
Airbus will be one of the largest exhibitors at Singapore Airshow 2024, with a stand showcasing its full range of products and services covering the commercial aircraft, helicopter, defence, and space markets. Highlights also include a comprehensive static display of an A330neo widebody aircraft, an A400M military airlifter, an H145M full-scale mock-up, and an exclusive ACH130 Aston Martin helicopter.
In addition, visitors will be able to get up close with the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s H225M medium lift helicopter and the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
