EVRY, FRANCE — Global Bioenergies, a frontrunner in bio-based aviation fuel innovation, has completed a critical evaluation of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with industry giants Safran Aircraft Engines and ONERA, the French aerospace research center. Announced on March 19, 2025, these tests—focusing on injection and combustion phases—underscore the fuel’s compatibility with existing engines and its potential to slash particulate emissions.
Safran, the world’s second-largest aircraft equipment manufacturer, partnered with Global Bioenergies to assess the SAF’s behavior during the injection phase, a key determinant of engine efficiency. Conducted at CERTAM near Rouen, the tests utilized neat (unblended) SAF to simulate real-world engine conditions. Frédéric Ollivier, CTO at Global Bioenergies, noted, “Injecting Global Bioenergies’ SAF, without blending it with kerosene, produces a spray of fine, homogeneous droplets, very similar to the spray from Jet A-1, the standard fossil kerosene.” This alignment with Jet A-1’s performance ensures seamless integration into current systems while optimizing fuel consumption.
“Injecting Global Bioenergies’ SAF, without blending it with kerosene, produces a spray of fine, homogeneous droplets, very similar to the spray from Jet A-1.” — Frédéric Ollivier, CTO, Global Bioenergies
Meanwhile, ONERA’s combustion tests on a laboratory burner quantified soot emissions across three fuel variants: neat SAF, Jet A-1, and a 50% SAF blend (the ASTM-approved maximum). The results were striking—neat SAF reduced soot emissions by 40-99% compared to Jet A-1, varying by test condition, while the 50-50 blend showed proportional reductions. Louise Ganeau, a research engineer at ONERA, highlighted the implications: “Incorporating SAFs such as Global Bioenergies’ into the fossil fuel landscape would help reduce soot emissions locally, and cut particulate pollution.”
Marc Delcourt, co-founder and CEO of Global Bioenergies, emphasized the strategic significance: “These validations strengthen the attractiveness of our offer.” Already ASTM-certified, the SAF’s performance in these tests positions it as a compelling option for airlines seeking to meet decarbonization targets without compromising operational efficiency.
