India is set to take a significant step toward aviation decarbonization with the launch of the India Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Alliance on February 4, 2025, during India Climate Week (ICW) 2025 in New Delhi. This initiative, led by CMAI, aims to accelerate SAF adoption and foster collaboration among key stakeholders in India’s aviation sector. The launch marks a strategic move towards achieving India’s climate goals, aligning with global sustainability frameworks like CORSIA.
The Need for SAF in Indian Aviation
With air travel demand steadily rising, aviation emissions in India are projected to increase significantly over the coming decades. While aircraft technology advancements and operational efficiencies have contributed to emissions reduction, SAF stands out as a key enabler of long-term sustainability.
SAF offers an immediate solution to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. However, its adoption in India has been slow due to limited production capacity, higher costs, and regulatory uncertainties. The India SAF Alliance aims to address these barriers by bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
The India SAF Alliance will be chaired by Jimmy Olsson, with Vijay Nirani, Founder & Managing Director of TruAlt Bioenergy, serving as Co-Chairman. With the support of government officials, fuel producers, airlines, and environmental groups, the alliance seeks to scale up SAF production, drive investment, and create a clear roadmap for policy development.
The event will be attended by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, reinforcing the government’s commitment to alternative fuels and carbon reduction in transport.
India’s SAF Blending Targets
India has set ambitious SAF blending targets:
- 1% SAF by 2027
- 2% SAF by 2028
- 5% SAF by 2030
These targets align with international sustainability efforts, particularly the CORSIA framework, which aims to achieve carbon-neutral growth in aviation.
However, achieving these targets will require a robust policy framework, financial incentives, and technological advancements. The alliance will work towards streamlining production processes and ensuring cost-effective scaling.
SAF and India’s Panchamrit Commitment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Panchamrit strategy includes a commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. The India SAF Alliance directly supports this vision by promoting renewable energy in aviation and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
According to Vijay Nirani, the alliance will enable India to lead the global SAF transition by combining policy support, industry innovation, and sustainable investment strategies.
ICW 2025: A Pivotal Platform
Taking place just after COP29, India Climate Week 2025 provides an ideal platform for global collaboration. The discussions at ICW will focus on:
- Renewable energy adoption
- Net-zero transport strategies
- Green financing for sustainable aviation
The India SAF Alliance launch will be a key highlight, showcasing India’s proactive approach to low-carbon aviation solutions.
Aviation Sustainability and the Role of VURDHAAN
As a leading sustainability consultancy, VURDHAAN has been actively working with stakeholders in the aviation sector to navigate complex sustainability regulations, including CORSIA, EU ETS, and ReFuelEU Aviation. With expertise in SAF feasibility studies, carbon reporting, and ESG strategy development, VURDHAAN supports businesses in achieving compliance while unlocking sustainable growth opportunities.
Establishing the India SAF Alliance marks a critical shift in India’s aviation sector, and collaborations with sustainability experts will be vital in ensuring a seamless transition to cleaner fuels.
Conclusion
The India SAF Alliance represents a transformative step toward sustainable aviation in India. The alliance will play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and ensuring a greener future for air travel by fostering policy alignment, industry collaboration, and investment in SAF technologies.
With a strong regulatory push, technological innovation, and industry-wide commitment, India is well-positioned to become a global leader in SAF adoption, paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient aviation sector.