On May 19, 2023, low cost air carrier AIX Connect operating as AirAsia India, conducted the country's first commercial passenger flight using an indigenously produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend.
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AirAsia India flight i5-767, from Pune (PNQ) to Delhi (DEL) was fueled with a 1 percent blend of indigenously produced SAF supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) in partnership with Praj Industries Ltd.
The SAF sourced for this initiative by Praj Industries was made possible through a partnership with Gevo using Gevo’s Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technology to produce SAF using bio-based feedstock.
This historic achievement for the country of India of flying with carbohydrate-based alcohol to jet SAF showcases the incredible potential of utilizing locally sourced feedstock. It highlights the critical role of the farming community in India’s journey towards energy independence and sustainable growth. Gevo is proud to partner with Praj Industries in developing innovative solutions that contribute to a greener future, commented Dr Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo.
Praj Industries produced SAF samples at its state-of-the-art R&D facility, Praj Matrix, which underwent rigorous testing at IOCL laboratories before being blended for the special flight.
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 in India’s journey towards energy independence and green growth, said Pramod Chaudhari, Founder and Chairman of Praj Industries.
This milestone represents a significant step forward in India’s commitment to sustainable aviation and showcases the dedication of the Air India Group, IOCL, and Praj Industries along with support and guidance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG) working to develop and propagate indigenous solutions that mitigate the environmental impact of aviation and pave the way for the widespread adoption of SAF in India.
Today, I received crew and passengers who took the first commercial passenger flight from Pune to Delhi powered by indigenously produced sustainable aviation fuel. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in sustainable aviation fuel. Today we have started with 1 percent blending of SAF in one flight, which will be taken to 1 percent in all flights by mid-2025, said Hardeep Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas in his remarks.
