Indian Oil joined hands for aviation fuel with flying companies

Mumbai: In a significant development in the decarbonization of the aviation sector, India’s first commercial passenger flight using an indigenously produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend was successfully flown earlier on 19 May 2023. AirAsia India flight i5-767 departed from Pune to New Delhi using a blend of indigenous Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) in partnership with Praj Industries Ltd. (Praj). Hon. Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, received this special flight at the airport.

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 and pave the way for the widespread adoption of SAF in India. In keeping with the country’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan mission, the SAF was produced indigenously by Praj Industries using captive agricultural feedstock.

The SAF sourced for this initiative by Praj Industries, is in partnership with Gevo Inc., 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.

Describing the occasion as a significant milestone in the country's efforts towards Net Zero emissions by 2070, Mr. Puri said, “I am glad to witness this historic occasion and receive the first commercial flight fuelled by an indigenous SAF blended ATF. This would be the First domestic commercial passenger flight with SAF blending up to 1% as demonstration mode”. “By 2025, if we target to blend 1% SAF blending in Jet fuel, India would require around 14 crore litres of SAF/annum.  More ambitiously, if we target for 5% SAF blend, India requires around 70 crore litre of SAF/annum.”

Congratulating the home grown giants in their respective sectors, AirAsia India, IndianOil, and Praj Industries, Shri Puri reiterated the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister for an Atmanirbhar Bharat by developing indigenous solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of aviation and pave the way for the widespread adoption of SAF in India.

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Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Aloke Singh, Managing Director, AirAsia India and Air India Express, said, "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."

Speaking on this development, 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.“

Mr. Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil, 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. Mr. Vaidya added.

Global aviation is currently responsible for about 3% of total global GHG emissions. If the emission remains unchecked, it could be responsible for 22% of GHG emissions by 2050. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has released Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) regulations that have defined a target of reducing CO2 emissions from the aviation sector by 50% by 2050. An alternative to the current use of fossil fuels is to use SAF that can result in high greenhouse gas (GHG) savings.

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About AIX Connect (operating as AirAsia India):      

AIX Connect Private Limited, formerly known as AirAsia India Private Limited, was launched in 2014 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India Limited. AirAsia India flies over 50 direct and 100 connecting routes across India, offering plush leather seats, Gourmair hot meals, pioneering in-flight entertainment AirFlix, and a host of exclusive loyalty benefits for members of the Tata NeuPass rewards program. The airline recently launched a consolidated digital presence with Air India Express, offering fast bookings, fab deals and fantastic value on its award-winning website airindiaexpress.com.

About Praj Industries Limited:

Praj, India's most accomplished industrial biotech company, is driven by innovation, integration, and delivery capabilities. Over the past four decades, Praj has focused on the environment, energy, and agri?process industry, with 1000 ++ customer references spanning 100+ countries across all five continents. Bio?MobilityTM and Bio?PrismTM are the mainstays of Praj's contribution to the global Bioeconomy. The Bio?Mobility platform offers technology solutions globally to produce the renewable transportation fuel, thus ensuring sustainable decarbonization through a circular bioeconomy. The company's Bio?PrismTM portfolio comprises technologies to produce renewable chemicals and materials, promising sustainability while reimagining nature. Praj Matrix, the state?of?the?art R&D facility, forms the backbone for the company's endeavours towards a clean energy?based Bioeconomy. Praj's diverse portfolio comprises Bio?energy solutions, Critical process equipment & skids, Breweries, Zero liquid discharge systems and High purity water systems. Led by an accomplished and caring leadership, Praj is a socially responsible corporate citizen. Praj is listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India.

About IOCL:

As a Brand with one of the largest customer interfaces in India, IndianOil reaches precious petroleum fuels to every nook and corner of the country through its network of over 58,000 plus customer touch-points, surmounting the challenges of tough terrain, climate and accessibility. The marketing network is bolstered by 70.05 MMTPA of Refining Capacity and more than 15,000 KM of cross-country pipelines. Moreover, IndianOil's R&D Centre at Faridabad, one of Asia's finest in downstream petroleum R&D, offers a competitive advantage to the Corporation through world-class technology and process solutions and innovative products. IndianOil R&D has also been instrumental in pioneering path-breaking research to leverage the potential of Hydrogen and other cleaner fuels for the sustainable progress of the nation.

One of India’s most socially responsive brands, IndianOil, has successfully combined its corporate social responsibility agenda with its business offerings. The Corporation has been partnering with communities in which it operates by supporting numerous initiatives connected with health, family welfare, education, environment protection, potable water, sanitation, empowerment of women and other marginalised groups.

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