Biofuels in Helicopter Operations: Current Status and Future Prospects

Explore how biofuels are driving greener helicopter operations, the barriers to full implementation, and what's on the horizon for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Aviation is constantly evolving, and the helicopter industry is joining the movement toward greater sustainability. Biofuels (and Sustainable Aviation Fuel in particular) hold the promise of reduced carbon emissions – without the need to overhaul the aircraft and technology already in use.

Let’s explore what biofuels are, how they’re made, why they matter for helicopter operations, and what hurdles remain. We’ll also take a look at what the future looks like as the industry begins to integrate this cleaner fuel option into daily operations.

What Are Biofuels in Helicopter Operations?

Biofuels are fuels derived from renewable resources. They are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional jet fuel, which has powered helicopter engines for decades.

The biofuel that is used in helicopter operations is called Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). SAF is derived from non-petroleum organic material known as feedstocks, which include:

Agricultural waste
Algae
Animal waste
Municipal waste
Non-food crops
Plant oils
Recycled cooking grease

One key benefit of SAF is that it’s a “drop-in replacement” for conventional jet fuel. This means SAF can power existing aircraft without the need for engine modifications.

The other critical advantage is that SAF is made from carbon sources that already exist as part of the natural carbon cycle. This results in lower overall emissions, making it a powerful tool in the aircraft industry’s push for sustainability.

red and blue helicopter resting in a pasture beside grazing cows — *Photo by Alexander Nerozya from* *Pexels*

Powering the Future: Benefits of Biofuels for Helicopter Missions

Biofuels like Sustainable Aviation Fuel offer a practical way for the helicopter industry to reduce the environmental impact of flights, especially in essential sectors like disaster response, firefighting, and heavy-lift construction.

Here are the top three advantages of making biofuels the go-to fuel for the helicopter industry:

Reduced Carbon Emissions

Aviation currently accounts for 2% of all carbon dioxide CO₂ emissions and 12% of all CO₂ emissions from transportation on a global scale. SAF has the potential to reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by 80% over the fuel’s lifecycle when compared to fossil fuels, directly contributing to more sustainable aviation.

aerial view from a helicopter of lush green farmland and trees — *Photo by Luciann Photography from Pexels*

No Need for New Infrastructure

Because SAF is a drop-in replacement, it integrates with existing fuel systems and helicopter engines. This means helicopter teams won’t need to overhaul their fleet or construct new fueling stations in order to significantly reduce the harmful emissions that contribute to climate change.

SAF can currently be blended with conventional jet fuel at levels ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on feedstock type and production method. In the future, 100% SAF could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94%.

Long-Term Cost Effectiveness

While production is still scaling up and current prices for SAF tend to be higher than for traditional jet fuel, this renewable option will likely offer long-term savings as carbon pricing and environmental regulations evolve.

Barriers to the Widespread Adoption of Biofuels

While biofuels promise a more sustainable future, there are several key obstacles the aviation industry is still working to overcome. These challenges must be addressed before renewable fuels can become the standard in helicopter operations:

Production Scalability: The availability of feedstock supply must expand (without disrupting food production) to meet the growing demands from the aviation industry. While innovations like algae-based fuels are promising, scaling production remains a challenge.
Engine Certification Requirements: Not all helicopter engines and aircraft are fully approved to operate on 100% SAF. Fuel blends of up to 50% are becoming more common, but more research and testing – as well as industry and policymaker collaboration – are needed for full certification.
Higher Upfront Costs: SAF is still more expensive than conventional jet fuel. Prices are expected to decrease as production methods improve and demand grows, but we’re not quite there yet.

Where We Are Now: The Status of SAF in Helicopter Operations

In 2021, Safran Helicopter Engines achieved a world first at its Bordes facility in France, where the company successfully ran a helicopter engine on 100% SAF. In this groundbreaking test, a Makila 2 engine was powered entirely by biofuel made from waste and residue including used cooking oil.

All aircraft from Safran Helicopter Engines are certified to run on 50% SAF, and the manufacturer plans to obtain a 100% biofuel approval by 2030.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, also approved the use of SAF blends (of up to 50%) for its S-92 helicopter, which is in routine use in offshore energy support and other commercial operations.

Other helicopters – like the Bell 505 and Airbus H225 – are also either approved or have successfully demonstrated using SAF, and that list is steadily growing. More engines are undergoing testing, with manufacturers working to certify higher SAF blends.

Many companies, from Sikorsky to Airbus, are spearheading efforts to certify their aircraft for 100% SAF by the end of the decade.

silhouette of a helicopter flying at sunset — *Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen from Unsplash*

What the Future Holds for Biofuels in Helicopter Aviation

Biofuels are set to play a major role in the future of helicopter operations. With growing research and investment, the path ahead is becoming clearer and more promising every day.

Here’s what we can expect to see over the next couple of decades:

Certification Advancements: Regulatory approval for using 100% SAF in helicopters is getting closer, thanks to successful tests with higher-blend fuels paving the way.
Faster, Cheaper Production: Emerging technologies are making SAF production more efficient and cost-effective. Innovations using algae, agricultural residue, and even municipal waste show significant promise.
Supportive Policy and Industry Goals: Global and national climate goals, along with financial incentives and fuel blending mandates, are helping drive the adoption of SAF across the aviation industry. As policy momentum grows, the gap between SAF and fossil fuel prices will close.
Hybrid Power Systems: Looking further ahead, hybrid-electric helicopters could pair battery-powered systems with turbines running on SAF to blend clean electricity with sustainable fuel for even greener flight. This would offer even greater emissions reductions. Leading engine manufacturers are already working on prototypes.

Helicopter Express Is at the Forefront of Sustainability

At Helicopter Express, we’re committed to implementing safer, more environmentally responsible solutions. We’re keeping a close eye on SAF developments and are excited about its growing role in helicopter operations.

Our state-of-the-art fleet, elite pilots, and several decades of experience have uniquely positioned us to incorporate greener fuels into our operations as they become more widely available.

Work With Us for Smart, Eco-Friendly Operations

Whether your next project is in Georgia or halfway across the world, our team at Helicopter Express is ready to deliver professional and efficient service. Contact us today to share your mission so we can discuss how we can help you meet your goals while reducing your environmental impact.