While Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) remains more expensive by some margin, it is very encouraging to see more and more key players across the aviation industry making a commitment to it – and that will ensure the price comes down.  The ground swell is such that operators who are not using SAF will soon be the ones to stand out, and then lose business as a result.  Here is today’s announcement from helicopter manufacturer Bell.

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today that it will begin incorporating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into all Bell Training Academy (BTA) and customer demonstration fleet aircraft. Bell will be the first rotorcraft customer to receive SAF supply from global aviation fuel supplier, Avfuel Corporation.

“Bell is an active supporter of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s sustainable fuel initiative, and we are committed to seeking more eco-friendly solutions for rotorcraft,” said Michael Thacker, Executive Vice President, Technology and Commercial Business. “As the industry moves toward a greener future, Bell’s decision to introduce SAF in our training and demonstration aircraft is a reflection of our dedication to this shared goal and to providing clean alternatives for the environment.”

All Bell operated demonstration and training fleet aircraft, totaling 20 aircraft, will begin using sustainable aviation fuel starting March 25. SAF provides a cleaner source of fuel to power rotorcraft and decreases environmental impact of general aviation.

Aside from SAF integration, Bell is exploring other ways to diminish fuel consumption by testing electrically powered technology in new vehicles like the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport and the Electrically Distributed Anti-Torque demonstrator. Bell continues to support the aviation industry in its objective to achieve carbon neutral growth and reduce CO2 emissions by 50 percent by 2050.