India has the potential to emerge as a major producer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), leveraging its abundant agricultural residues such as rice and wheat straws, according to a senior Airbus official. The development of SAF is seen as a crucial step in reducing aviation-related carbon emissions and promoting sustainable air travel.
As one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, India is gradually advancing towards adopting SAF, though large-scale production and use are still in the early stages. The country’s vast agricultural sector provides an advantage, offering a steady supply of feedstock necessary for SAF production.
Global aircraft manufacturer Airbus has been actively working to expand SAF production and usage. While demand for SAF is currently concentrated in Europe, Airbus is looking to accelerate its adoption in other regions, including India. As part of these efforts, the company has partnered with the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) in Dehradun to explore and support SAF-related research and production initiatives.
With increasing concerns over carbon emissions and pollution, the push for SAF aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals. Industry experts believe that with the right policy support, infrastructure, and investment, India could position itself as a key player in the global SAF market, benefiting both the environment and the aviation industry.
