Sustainable Aviation
Bell 505 Achieves Over 700 Flight Hours with Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Bell 505 surpasses 700 hours on blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel demonstrating reliable, daily use in training operations.
We are witnessing a pivotal shift in the rotorcraft industry as manufacturers move from theoretical demonstrations to practical, sustained applications of green technology. On November 24, 2025, during the European Rotors 2025 trade show in Cologne, Germany, Bell Textron Inc. announced a significant achievement in this domain. A dedicated Bell 505 helicopter has successfully surpassed 700 flight hours using blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This milestone marks a transition from short-term testing to long-term operational validation.
The flight hours were accumulated at the Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas. By utilizing a training aircraft for this initiative, Bell has demonstrated the viability of SAF in high-volume, daily operations. This is not merely a proof of concept, it is a stress test of the fuel’s reliability under the rigorous demands of pilot training. The initiative highlights the seamless integration of alternative fuels into existing platforms without disrupting standard operating procedures.
This achievement is the result of a strategic collaboration between Bell and Safran Helicopter Engines. It underscores a shared commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of vertical lift operations. As the aviation sector faces increasing pressure to meet global sustainability targets, data-driven milestones like this provide the necessary evidence to encourage broader adoption of SAF among operators and regulatory bodies.
The aircraft at the center of this milestone is the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, a short light single-engine helicopter known for its versatility in corporate, public safety, and training missions. Powered by the Safran Arrius 2R engine, the aircraft utilized a specific type of fuel known as “blended SAF.” This mixture typically combines 30 to 50 percent pure sustainable fuel with conventional Jet A fuel. The accumulation of over 700 flight hours confirms that the engine and airframe can operate consistently on this blend without requiring mechanical modifications.
One of the most critical aspects of this program is the demonstration of “drop-in” capability. In the context of aviation, a drop-in fuel is one that can be substituted for conventional jet fuel within existing infrastructure and engines. The Safran Arrius 2R is currently certified to operate on up to a 50 percent SAF blend. By logging substantial hours at the Bell Training Academy, we see proof that operators can integrate these fuels into their current logistics chains without the need for expensive retrofits or specialized handling equipment.
The fuel for this initiative was supplied through partnerships with key industry providers, including Neste and Avfuel. These collaborations are essential for establishing a reliable supply chain, which remains one of the primary hurdles for widespread SAF adoption. The successful completion of these flight hours serves as a signal to the market that the hardware is ready, provided the fuel supply continues to scale to meet demand.
“Bell is proud to celebrate this next step in industry carbon reduction objectives. Working alongside Safran Helicopter Engines has given us the cutting-edge advantage of exploring opportunities in greener aviation practices.”, Robin Wendling, Managing Director of Europe, Bell. This 700-hour milestone is part of a broader timeline of sustainability efforts by Bell and its parent company, Textron. It supports Textron’s “Achieve 2025” Sustainable Footprint goal, which targets a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the enterprise. Furthermore, it aligns with the general aviation industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We recognize that incremental steps, such as validating blended fuels, are necessary precursors to achieving these ambitious long-term targets.
While the current operations utilize a blend, the technology is rapidly advancing toward higher concentrations of sustainable components. In February 2023, Bell and Safran achieved the world’s first single-engine helicopter flight using 100 percent SAF with the Bell 505. The current 700-hour achievement complements that breakthrough by focusing on endurance and daily utility rather than maximum capability. Safran has indicated that its engines will soon be capable of operating on 100 percent drop-in SAF, which would significantly maximize emission reductions. Commercial interest in the Bell 505 remains strong alongside these sustainability developments. At the same European Rotors 2025 event, German operator Heli Transair signed a purchase agreement for three additional Bell 505 aircraft. This suggests that the market is responding positively to the platform, viewing its compatibility with sustainable practices as a value-add rather than a compromise on performance or cost-efficiency.
“We are particularly pleased with these SAF flights in partnership with Bell. SAF is key towards more sustainable helicopter use… Very soon, our engines will be capable of 100% drop-in SAF, paving the way for wider use of this type of fuel.”, Jean-François Sauer, EVP Programs, Safran Helicopter Engines. The accumulation of over 700 flight hours on blended SAF by the Bell 505 represents a tangible step forward for sustainable rotorcraft operations. It moves the industry discussion from theoretical possibilities to proven realities, demonstrating that eco-friendly fuels can support the rigorous demands of pilot training and daily flight operations. By validating the performance of the Safran Arrius 2R engine with drop-in fuels, Bell has reduced the perceived risk for operators looking to transition to greener alternatives.
Looking ahead, the focus will likely shift toward increasing the availability of SAF and certifying engines for 100 percent sustainable fuel use. As manufacturers like Bell and Safran continue to refine the technology, and as supply chains mature, we anticipate that SAF will become a standard component of aviation logistics, driving the sector closer to its net-zero aspirations.
What is the significance of the 700-hour milestone? Does using SAF require changes to the helicopter engine? What is the difference between this milestone and the 2023 SAF flight?
Bell 505 Surpasses 700 Flight Hours on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Operational Reliability and Technical Specifications
Strategic Implications and Future Roadmap
Conclusion
FAQ
This milestone proves that the Bell 505 can operate reliably on blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) over a long period in a high-volume training environment, validating the fuel for daily use.
No. The blended SAF used is considered a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it requires no modifications to the Safran Arrius 2R engine or the airframe.
The February 2023 flight demonstrated the capability to fly on 100% SAF. The current milestone focuses on the endurance and operational reliability of using blended SAF over 700 accumulated flight hours.
Sources
Photo Credit: Textron
Sustainable Aviation
Washington Launches Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator for SAF
The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator launches with $20M funding to boost Pacific Northwest Sustainable Aviation Fuel production to 1 billion gallons annually by 2035.
This article is based on official press releases from Alaska Airlines and Washington State University, as well as public announcements from the launch event.
On January 8, 2026, a coalition of government, industry, and academic leaders officially launched the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA). Unveiled at the Boeing Future of Flight in Mukilteo, Washington, the initiative aims to establish the Pacific Northwest as a global leader in the production and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
According to official announcements, the accelerator is backed by $20 million in initial funding. This capital includes $10 million from Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act funds and a matching $10 million contribution from an anonymous philanthropic donor. The coalition has set an ambitious target: to scale regional SAF production to 1 billion gallons annually by 2035.
The initiative represents a broad partnership designed to bridge the gap between policy, technology, and commercial viability. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson championed the launch, positioning it as both an economic engine and a critical climate solution for the state.
The coalition features major stakeholders across multiple sectors:
“We have all the pieces in place to ensure this once-in-a-generation economic opportunity is realized, and this accelerator will make that happen.”
, Governor Bob Ferguson, via official press release
To address the complex barriers facing the SAF market, the initiative is divided into two complementary arms: the Accelerator and the Institute.
The CSAA focuses on market acceleration, financing, and policy advocacy. Its primary mission is to “de-risk” the industry for producers and investors. By harmonizing tax incentives and aggregating fuel demand from airlines and corporate partners, the Accelerator aims to create a stable market environment that encourages rapid scaling of production facilities. The Institute will handle the technical and scientific challenges of SAF adoption. It will operate a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel Research and Development Center based at Paine Field in Snohomish County. While a permanent facility is scheduled for completion by 2029, the center will open in a temporary commercial space in the coming months.
A key feature of the Institute will be the world’s first “SAF Repository.” This facility will function similarly to a seed bank, collecting, indexing, and distributing fuel samples to researchers globally to standardize testing and certification processes.
“For aviation to remain strong and resilient in the decades ahead, sustainability must be part of its future.”
, Elizabeth Cantwell, WSU President, via WSU News
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is widely considered the most viable near-term solution for decarbonizing long-haul aviation. Made from feedstocks such as agricultural waste, used cooking oil, or captured carbon, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. However, current supply accounts for less than 1% of global jet fuel usage, and it remains significantly more expensive than fossil-based alternatives.
The Pacific Northwest is viewed as an ideal “test bed” for solving these problems due to its access to renewable hydroelectric power, forestry and agricultural residues, and a deep aerospace talent pool.
The Accelerator aims to support existing regional projects, including:
“This is a systems issue that no one company can solve. You’ve got great companies… ready to use this fuel, but we have to make it available.”
, Guy Palumbo, Amazon Director of Public Policy, via launch event remarks
The launch of the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator marks a shift from individual corporate sustainability goals to a systemic regional strategy. While the target of 1 billion gallons by 2035 is aggressive, the bifurcation of the initiative into an “Accelerator” (finance/policy) and an “Institute” (R&D) suggests a mature understanding of the bottlenecks. The primary challenge for the CSAA will be feedstock logistics. While the Pacific Northwest has abundant forestry and agricultural waste, the infrastructure to collect, transport, and process these materials at a scale capable of producing 1 billion gallons does not yet exist. Furthermore, the involvement of corporate giants like Amazon and Microsoft is critical; their willingness to pay a “green premium” for sustainable air cargo and travel could provide the demand certainty that producers need to secure financing for new plants.
Success will likely depend on how quickly the Institute can streamline the fuel certification process, which has historically been a slow hurdle for new SAF pathways.
Sources:
Washington Leaders Launch Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator to Power PNW SAF Hub
A Public-Private Coalition
Strategic Structure: Accelerator and Institute
The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA)
The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Institute (CSAI)
Industry Context and Regional Projects
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines
Sustainable Aviation
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines Partner for Hawaii SAF Production by 2026
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines join Par Hawaii and Pono Energy to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel locally with a $90M refinery upgrade, targeting 2026 deliveries.
This article is based on an official press release from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
In a significant move toward energy independence and decarbonization, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have announced a strategic partnership with Par Hawaii and Pono Energy to establish the first local supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Hawaii. According to the joint announcement, the consortium aims to begin deliveries of locally produced SAF by early 2026.
The collaboration brings together the state’s largest energy provider, its primary air carriers, and local agricultural innovators. The project centers on upgrading Par Hawaii’s Kapolei refinery to process renewable feedstocks, specifically Camelina sativa, a cover crop that will be grown on fallow agricultural land across the islands. This “farm-to-flight” ecosystem is designed to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint while diversifying Hawaii’s economy.
The airlines have committed to purchasing the SAF produced, providing the guaranteed demand necessary to make the project commercially viable. This agreement aligns with both carriers’ long-term goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Par Hawaii is spearheading the infrastructure development required to make local SAF a reality. According to project details summarized in the announcement and related reports, the company is investing approximately $90 million to upgrade its Kapolei refinery. This facility, the only refinery in the state, will convert a distillate hydrotreater to produce renewable fuels.
The upgraded unit will utilize HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology, a mature method for producing bio-jet fuel. Once operational, the facility is expected to have a significant output capacity.
In a joint statement, the partners emphasized the dual benefits of the initiative:
“This initiative will enable SAF production for more sustainable future flying and deliver economic benefits through the creation of a new energy sector and fuel supply chain in Hawai‘i.”
, Joint Press Statement, Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines
A critical component of this partnership is the sourcing of sustainable feedstock. Pono Energy, a subsidiary of Pono Pacific, will lead the agricultural operations. The project relies on Camelina sativa, a fast-growing, drought-tolerant oilseed crop that matures in 60 to 75 days. According to Pono Pacific, Camelina is ideal for Hawaii because it can be grown as a cover crop between other food crop rotations. This ensures that fuel production does not displace local food production. The crop helps prevent soil erosion, requires minimal water, and produces a high-protein “seedcake” byproduct that can be used as FDA-approved animal feed for local ranchers.
Chris Bennett, VP of Sustainable Energy Solutions at Pono Pacific, highlighted the circular nature of the project:
“Camelina represents a rare opportunity for Hawai‘i to build a true circular-economy model around renewable fuels.”
, Chris Bennett, Pono Pacific
The project is projected to support approximately 300 high-value manufacturing jobs at the refinery, in addition to creating new agricultural jobs for farming and harvesting. By producing fuel locally, the partnership aims to reduce Hawaii’s extreme dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing the state’s energy security.
The Cost and Scale Challenge
While this partnership marks a pivotal step for Hawaii, significant hurdles remain regarding cost and scale. SAF is currently estimated to be two to three times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. Without substantial subsidies or “green premiums” paid by corporate customers or passengers, this price differential poses a challenge for airlines operating in a price-sensitive leisure market like Hawaii.
Furthermore, while the projected 61 million gallons of renewable fuel is a substantial figure, it represents only a fraction of the total jet fuel consumed by commercial aviation in Hawaii. To run the refinery at full capacity, the facility will likely need to supplement local Camelina oil with imported waste oils, such as used cooking oil, until local agricultural production scales up. The success of this initiative will likely depend on the continued support of federal incentives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, and state-level renewable fuel tax credits.
When will the new SAF be available? What is SAF? Will this project affect local food supply? Who is funding the refinery upgrade?
Hawaii Aviation Leaders Unite for Local SAF Production
Investment and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Role of Pono Energy and Camelina Sativa
Sustainable Agriculture
Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The partners expect the first deliveries of locally produced SAF to begin in early 2026.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a liquid fuel currently used in commercial aviation which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80%. It is produced from renewable feedstocks rather than crude oil.
No. The feedstock, Camelina sativa, is grown as a cover crop on fallow land or between food crop rotations, meaning it does not compete with food production.
Par Hawaii is leading the capital investment, estimated at $90 million, to upgrade the Kapolei refinery.
Sources
Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines
Sustainable Aviation
KLM Supports National SAF Fund to Strengthen Dutch Economy
KLM endorses the Wennink report urging a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel fund and €151-187B investment by 2035 to support Dutch economic growth.
On December 12, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines officially endorsed the findings of the newly released advisory report, “The Route to Future Prosperity” (De weg naar toekomstige welvaart). Authored by former ASML CEO Peter Wennink, the report outlines a strategic roadmap for the Dutch economy, emphasizing the need for significant investment to maintain national competitiveness.
Central to KLM’s endorsement is the report’s recommendation for the Dutch government to establish a national SAF fund. The airline argues that such a financial mechanism is critical to bridging the price gap between fossil kerosene and renewable alternatives, thereby accelerating the aviation sector’s transition to Sustainability without compromising the Netherlands’ economic standing.
Commissioned to analyze the Dutch Investments climate, the Wennink report warns that the Netherlands risks economic stagnation if it does not increase its annual growth rate to between 1.5% and 2%. According to the findings, maintaining current social standards, including healthcare, defense, and the energy transition, requires a massive capital injection.
The report estimates that an additional €151 billion to €187 billion in investment is needed by 2035 to modernize the economy. It identifies specific high-productivity sectors as essential pillars for future prosperity, including Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, and aviation.
KLM has aligned itself with these findings, noting that a thriving business climate relies heavily on international connectivity. In its statement, the airline emphasized that the connectivity provided by Schiphol Airport is vital for Dutch trade and for attracting international headquarters to the region.
A key pillar of the aviation Strategy proposed in the report is the creation of a government-backed fund dedicated to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Currently, SAF is significantly more expensive than traditional fossil kerosene, often three to four times the price, and suffers from limited supply availability.
KLM posits that a national fund would act as a catalyst to solve these market inefficiencies. By subsidizing the cost difference, the fund would make SAF more affordable for Airlines, ensuring they remain competitive against non-EU carriers that may not face similar sustainability mandates. Furthermore, the fund is intended to de-risk long-term investments for energy companies, encouraging the construction of domestic refineries, such as the facilities planned in Delfzijl.
“Such a fund would enable the Netherlands to accelerate the production of alternative aviation fuels and make them more affordable, thereby accelerating the sector’s sustainability.”
— KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM used the release of the Wennink report to argue against unilateral national taxes or flight restrictions, which have been subjects of recent political debate in the Netherlands. The airline warns that such measures could harm the Dutch economy by reducing connectivity and driving business elsewhere.
Instead, KLM advocates for incentivizing sustainability. The airline suggests that the government must take a more active role in the energy transition rather than relying solely on industry mandates. According to the press release, “Real progress can only be achieved if government and industry work together and if the government takes a more active role.”
The endorsement of the Wennink report represents a strategic pivot for KLM, moving the conversation from “flight shaming” to economic necessity. By aligning its sustainability goals with the broader “Draghi-style” warnings about European competitiveness, KLM is positioning aviation not just as a transport sector, but as a geopolitical asset essential for the Netherlands’ survival as a trading nation.
However, this call for government funding comes amidst a complex backdrop. In 2024, KLM faced legal scrutiny regarding “greenwashing” allegations, with courts ruling that some “Fly Responsibly” advertisements painted an overly optimistic picture of SAF’s immediate impact. The push for a national fund can be interpreted as a tacit admission that the industry cannot achieve its 2030 and 2050 climate targets through market forces alone; without state intervention to lower the cost of SAF, the “green” transition remains economically unfeasible for legacy carriers.
KLM Backs Wennink Report, Calls for National SAF Fund to Secure Dutch Economic Future
The Wennink Report: A Call for Investment
The Proposal for a National SAF Fund
Strategic Competitiveness vs. Taxation
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: KLM
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