Rolls-Royce announced on October 18, 2023, that it has successfully tested its latest generation of engines for business jets, the Pearl 15 and the Pearl 10X, using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The Pearl 15 powers the Bombardier Global 550 and 6500 long-range executive aircraft, while the Pearl 10X will power the Dassault Falcon 10X, which is currently under development.

These tests have also been used to compare the same Pearl 10X engine when running alternatively on both JetA1 and SAF and obtain measurements of the respective environmental footprint.

The purpose of the test campaign, which was conducted at the Rolls-Royce plant in Dahlewitz, Germany, using SAF produced through the HEFA process and derived from organic feedstock, is to prove that it is possible for the jets to operate using 100% SAF.

Rolls-Royce engines are currently only certified to fly using up to 50% SAF, but the engine maker is hopeful about the possibility of moving towards having its engines certified to run entirely on SAF in the future.