India’s AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) successfully operated its first domestic flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts towards decarbonizing the aviation sector. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri praised the achievement, stating that this marked a new chapter in the use of SAF in India.
The flight, i5-767, departed from Pune and arrived in Delhi, where it was welcomed by the Petroleum Minister. During the flight, the aircraft utilized a blend of fuel consisting of 1 percent SAF, effectively reducing emissions. Minister Puri emphasized that the aim is to gradually increase the blending of SAF in all flights to 1% by mid-2025. He lauded the use of indigenously produced SAF, highlighting the positive step towards a greener and more sustainable future. The SAF used was supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) in collaboration with Praj Industries Ltd. (Praj) and made from captive agricultural feedstock. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign.
Minister Puri further stated that by 2025, India aims to achieve 1% SAF blending in jet fuel, which would require approximately 14 crore liters of SAF per year. Additionally, the country could ambitiously target 5% SAF blending, necessitating around 70 crore liters of SAF per year. The milestone achieved by AIX Connect follows Vistara’s recent accomplishment on May 4, where the airline operated the first commercial domestic flight on a wide-body aircraft, using a blend of 17% SAF and 83% conventional jet fuel. The use of SAF in the aviation sector represents a crucial step towards realizing the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Indian government’s support for such initiatives and the involvement of major players like AIX Connect and Vistara highlight the commitment to a sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation sector in the country.