IAE International Aero Engines AG (IAE) has successfully tested the V2500 engine with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at MTU Maintenance Hannover, Germany, marking a massive milestone in more sustainable aviation. The engine currently powers the A320ceo family aircraft and the Embraer C-390 Millenium.
“This test with 100% SAF demonstrates that V2500 engines can continue contributing towards making aviation more sustainable in the decades ahead,” said Kim Kinsley, president of IAE AG and vice president of Mature Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “With nearly 3,000 V2500-powered aircraft in service today, IAE recognizes our important role in supporting the industry’s goal to meet net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. We anticipate the majority of our eight IAE company shops will be prepared to use SAF in their operations in the next few years.”
IAE AG is a consortium that includes Pratt & Whitney (now part of RTX), Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation, and MTU Aero Engines AG. They are known for their V2500, a high-bypass turbofan engine that was first released in 1987. This engine is used to power the Airbus A320 family, the McDonnell Douglas MD-90, and the Embraer C-390 Millennium.
The V2500 engine was recently tested using 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosine (HEFA-SPK) fuel provided by Neste. HEFA-SPK is a sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuels, produced by hydrotreating renewable raw materials, such as waste oils or fats, into aviation turbine fuel.
Pratt & Whitney is working closely with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) and ASTM International to develop future specifications for 100% SAF as they continue to support sustainable aviation.
“MTU Maintenance Hannover is the first maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility worldwide to carry out a 100% SAF test on a V2500,” said Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer, MTU Aero Engines. “This test demonstrates our commitment to supporting greater use of SAF across both our entire network and the broader industry. We remain dedicated to working with IAE, suppliers, and partners to ensure not only that our products are capable of operating with SAF but also that our maintenance, repair, and overhaul infrastructure can support all operators and owners with their SAF testing requirements.”
The V2500 engine offers the most fuel-efficient propulsion system in its class, with up to a 3% fuel burn and emissions advantage over prior-generation engines. This can result in significant fuel savings and lower emissions.
Additionally, the fact that it’s approved for operation on SAF blended at up to 50% with conventional Jet A and A-1 fuel makes it even more versatile. This engine has been a reliable and efficient performer for over 35 years, powering a variety of commercial, cargo, and military platforms.
