SpiceJet, Boeing and CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum collaborate on SAF in India

SpiceJet, Boeing and CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum announced March 25 that they are working together to explore opportunities for the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the Indian aviation industry, as part of the organizations’ commitment to help reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the Indian government’s environmental goals.

The companies will work together to leverage SAF supply from CSIR-IIP and its production partners and licensees to help SpiceJet decarbonize its fleet. SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 65 percent over the fuel’s life cycle with the potential to reach 100 percent in the future. It is recognized as offering the most immediate and greatest potential to decarbonize aviation over the next 20 to 30 years.

On Aug. 27, 2018, in its endeavor to go green, SpiceJet operated India’s first-ever SAF-powered flight. The airline successfully undertook the flight on the Dehradun-Delhi route using its Q400 aircraft. SpiceJet was the first Indian airline to explore aerial operations powered by SAF.

“This expanded work with Boeing, with whom we already share a strong partnership through the highly efficient 737 MAX, along with the Indian Institute of Petroleum, who are the frontrunners for developing SAF in India, is a step in the journey to ensure air travel is sustainable for future generations,” said Ajay Singh, SpiceJet chairman and managing director.

Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India, added, “We believe that strategic partnerships within the Indian aerospace ecosystem are critical to decarbonize our industry, aligned with the Indian government’s environmental goals. We are honored to work with SpiceJet to advance sustainable aviation, with whom we already have an enduring partnership, and extend gratitude to IIP for being the catalysts for enabling SAF in India, for India.”

Anjan Ray, director for the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, said, “Our institute is the first and currently the only organization in India that is developing a fully indigenous SAF in the country, for the country. We are delighted to partner with SpiceJet and Boeing to contribute to making the Indian skies cleaner and greener.”

Last year, Boeing committed to deliver its commercial airplanes capable and certified to fly on 100 percent SAF by 2030.