Swiss Air Force will fly with sustainable fuel
The Swiss Armed Forces plans to make a contribution to climate protection by using a mixture containing 10 percent of a sustainable source that was first used in September 2023 during the Patrouille Suisse flight display for the 75th anniversary of Zurich Airport.
The Swiss Air Force, for the first time in history, used sustainable fuel on Sept. 1 and 3, 2023, during the Patrouille Suisse’s 75th anniversary flight display at Zurich Airport.
The Tiger F-5 fighter planes flew with a mixture composed of 90 percent kerosene, which is fossil-derived, and 10 percent sustainable fuel.
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Sustainable fuel by 2030
Sustainable fuel is expected to be used in all Air Force aircraft in the future, but sufficient quantities of SAF are not yet available on the world market at present. From 2023 to 2027 the mix will contain about 1 to 2 percent sustainable fuel. Toward the years 2028-2030 the percentage will increase to about 10 percent allowing the Air Force to reduce CO₂ emissions by about 8 percent.
The use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is part of the measures taken by the Air Force to reduce fossil-derived CO₂ emissions by at least 40 percent by 2030 under the “Energy and Climate Action Plan.”
Technical adjustments to Air Force aircraft or fuel depots are not required for a blend containing up to 50 percent SAF. Compared to fossil fuels, SAF fuels contain less sulfur, less aromatic hydrocarbon blends, and allow an 80 percent reduction in fossil CO₂ emissions. The sustainable fuel purchased by the Swiss Army was produced by a certified process from organic waste such as used food oil and animal fats.