Gulfstream Aerospace Demonstrates Commitment to Sustainability

The five aircraft traveled from Savannah, Ga., to Orlando, Fla., with both engines operating on a 50/50 blend of Honeywell Green Jet Fuel™ and petroleum-based jet fuel. The renewable, second-generation jet fuel used for the flights was made from camelina, a sustainable, non-food plant, which can be grown in rotation with wheat and other cereal crops. Each gallon of camelina-based Honeywell Green Jet Fuel burned instead of petroleum jet fuel reduces the carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 68 percent based on life cycle analysis studies.

“This is a first for business aviation and it reflects Gulfstream’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices,” said Scott Neal, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream. “A little over a year ago, a G450 became the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic on biofuels when Honeywell flew from Morristown, N.J., to Paris for the Paris Airshow. Now, we’re the first original equipment manufacturer to have its full fleet fly to a trade show on advanced biofuels.” 

The effort signifies Gulfstream’s commitment to achieving the business aviation industry’s goals on emissions reductions, including carbon neutral growth by 2020 and a reduction in total carbon emissions of 50 percent by 2050, relative to 2005 levels. Alternative fuels could account for 40 percent of these reductions, while the remaining improvements will come from technology and operations.

“Using biofuels is part of the multipronged approach Gulfstream has taken toward sustainability,” Neal said. “In addition to reducing our carbon footprint, we’re focused on improving aircraft efficiencies. For example, the Gulfstream G650 flies farther and faster than any other business jet in the world, burns less fuel for the same mission and, as a result, has a reduced carbon footprint and produces fewer emissions, such as nitrous oxide.

We continue to invest in research that will ensure our aircraft are fuel-efficient and quiet to further lessen their environmental impact.”

Gulfstream’s sustainability efforts also include green buildings and manufacturing practices. The company has committed to reducing the impact manufacturing has on the environment by ensuring all new company buildings are LEED-certified. Additionally, Gulfstream has a dedicated sustainability group committed to reducing industrial emissions, conserving energy and recycling consumables.  Gulfstream offers single-stream recycling at all of its facilities, where employees have diverted 1.2 million pounds of recyclables from the company’s waste stream.

Source and photo: Gulfstream