Many of the helicopters that flew to the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas this weekend for display at Verticon did so on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The 30% SAF blend was provided by Avfuel and paid for by Airbus Helicopters.

SAF is viewed as the best near-term solution for aviation to reduce its carbon emissions footprint. While currently only approved for use in blends of up to 50% with conventional jet-A, in its neat, unblended form SAF can provide up to an 80% reduction of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.

The initiative underscores VAI’s commitment to sustainability in aviation and lessening the rotorcraft industry’s environmental impact. Through the use of SAF at its annual rotorcraft showcase, the organization aims to support operators’ adoption of cleaner, renewable energy solutions, promote industry-wide sustainability efforts, and demonstrate SAF’s viability in rotorcraft operations.

“The future of vertical aviation depends on our ability to innovate and adopt sustainable solution,” said VAI president and CEO James Viola. “By using SAF at Verticon, we are taking a meaningful step toward reducing aviation’s carbon footprint and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future for helicopter operations.”