The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with support from the European Union, officially released the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study for India.
The launch event featured key addresses from Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz Ahmed, and ICAO’s Deputy Director of Environment, Jane Hupe.
Conducted under the ICAO’s ACT-SAF Programme, the study explores the potential for production and adoption of drop-in SAF in India. It evaluates available domestic feedstocks, feasible production technologies, infrastructure readiness, and the policy landscape necessary for building a robust SAF market. Drawing on international best practices, the study outlines a roadmap tailored to India’s unique environmental and socio-economic context.
The findings of the study are being discussed at a two-day workshop at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event brings together participants from ICAO, EASA, DGCA, industry leaders, and various government departments—reflecting a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to SAF development.
Minister Ram Mohan Naidu welcomed stakeholders to the event and emphasized SAF’s vital role in driving sustainable aviation growth in India. He reaffirmed India’s readiness to become self-sufficient in SAF production, targeting 1% blending by 2027, 2% by 2028 and 5% by 2030 in line with the CORSIA mandate.
The Minister stated, “SAF is a practical and immediate solution to decarbonize the aviation sector, with the potential to cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel”. He further highlighted that with over 750 million metric tonnes of available biomass and nearly 230 million metric tonnes of surplus agricultural residue, India has the capacity not only to meet its own SAF demand but also to emerge as a global leader and exporter.
The Minister also noted key developments, including the appointment of COTECNA Inspection India Pvt. Ltd. as India’s first SAF certification body, and the certification of Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat Refinery as the country’s first SAF production facility.
He pointed out that ramping up SAF production could significantly reduce crude oil imports, cut emissions by 20 to 25 million tonnes annually, and generate additional income for farmers through the creation of a biomass-based value chain.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister stated, India is on course to becoming the world’s largest domestic aviation market and is committed to leading in green aviation through collaborative efforts.
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha stressed that tackling global warming requires collective action. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to the UNFCCC framework and highlighted the country’s fuel-efficient aircraft fleet and the transition of 88 airports to 100% green energy.
DGCA Chief Faiz Ahmed noted India’s standing as the third-largest aviation market, with passenger traffic projected to reach 500 million by 2030. He emphasized that the SAF Feasibility Study will provide essential guidance for shaping India’s national SAF policy and integrating sustainability into the sector’s growth.
The release of the SAF Feasibility Report represents a significant milestone in the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s long-term vision to foster a strong SAF ecosystem. With an abundant supply of low-carbon feedstocks like energy crops, agricultural residue, and municipal solid waste, India is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel production.
