Rolls-Royce leads UK project to demonstrate smarter use of SAF
In the UK, Rolls-Royce said it is leading a new project to find smarter ways of using sustainable aviation fuel to increase its effectiveness and role in reducing non-CO2 emissions, specifically those associated with contrail formation.
Co-funded through the Non-CO2 Program, part of the ATI Program, the Quantifying Reduction in Thermal Contrails by Optimizing SAF (QRITOS) project brings together Rolls-Royce, British Airways, Imperial College London and Heathrow.
Concluding in April 2027, the two-year project will also enhance forecasting methods, advance understanding and modeling of contrail formation, and develop verification methods based on satellite data.
Alan Newby, Research & Technology Director at Rolls-Royce said: “SAF will not only play a vital role in decarbonising aviation, but has also been shown to reduce certain non-CO2 emissions. This project will demonstrate smarter ways of using SAF which could unlock additional value through reducing non-CO2 climate effects as well.”
Tom Byrne, British Airways’ Head of Net Zero and Environment, said: At British Airways, we believe sustainable aviation fuel is central to the future of flying. Through the QRITOS project, we’re exploring how SAF can go beyond reducing carbon emissions to also help minimise the climate impact of contrails. By combining cutting-edge research, satellite data and real-world flight trials, we’re working to unlock smarter, more targeted use of SAF—ensuring that every drop delivers maximum benefit. This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation to help drive continual improvement in our environmental impact as part of our BA Better World strategy.”
Category: SAF
