SAF produced in India helps power AirAsia flight

India’s first commercial passenger flight using an indigenously produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend was successfully flown in May.
AirAsia India flight i5-767 departed from Pune to New Delhi using a blend of indigenous Saf supplied by Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) in partnership with Praj Industries.
This flight is a significant milestone in the country's efforts towards sustainable aviation and demonstrates the commitment of the Air India group, IOCL, and Praj Industries, with the support and guidance of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, to develop and propagate indigenous solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of aviation.
The SAF sourced for this initiative by Praj Industries, is in partnership with Gevo., which has developed a breakthrough Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology for the production of SAF using bio-based feedstock. Praj produced SAF samples in its R&D facility, Praj Matrix, which underwent detailed testing at IOCL laboratories before it was blended for the special flight.
Dr Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman, Praj Industries, said: “Showcasing the capability to fly using locally produced SAF is a historic moment for India. This is another demonstration of the important role of the farming community, by way of Annadata to Urjadata, in India’s journey towards energy independence and green growth. We value our ongoing partnership with IOCL and are delighted that, on this occasion, AirAsia has joined us in the journey towards cleaner skies for tomorrow.”
Aloke Singh, Managing Director, AirAsia India and Air India Express, added: "We are proud to announce that AirAsia India has successfully completed the first commercial flight using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel in collaboration with IOCL and Praj Industries. As part of the Tata group and a subsidiary of Air India, we are committed to innovation and collaboration in order to mitigate environmental impact. This flight marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts towards a more sustainable future for Indian aviation. We hope that this initiative will serve to further the adoption of indigenous, sustainable aviation fuel. Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our organisation's DNA, and we are determined to continue on the path towards more sustainable operations."
Mr. Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil, on this momentous occasion stated, “As the largest energy PSU in the country, IndianOil is committed to leading the change in the oil & gas sector and ushering in a greener tomorrow. Aligned with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, IndianOil has pledged for Net Zero Emissions by 2046. Under the aegis of MoPNG, we have begun this journey today, and I am confident that SAF will soon become the norm rather than an exception in the aviation industry”.