By allowing ethanol blending in aircraft fuel for the first time in more than 20 years, India has made a major step toward sustainable aviation. The Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Regulation Order, 2026 has been modified by the government to allow the use of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons in aviation fuel.
The action is intended to cut carbon emissions and lessen the nation’s excessive reliance on imports of crude oil, which presently supply around 85% of its energy requirements. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a recently developed synthetic fuel, is made from renewable resources including fats and agricultural waste.
India intends to introduce 1% SAF blending for international flights by 2027 as part of its green aviation roadmap, with the goal of increasing it to 5% by 2030. The International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) global sustainability goals are in line with the effort.
The strategy strengthens energy security and represents a deliberate move toward cleaner energy in aviation. Additionally, it presents India as a possible participant in the global sustainable aviation ecosystem by creating chances for domestic biofuel generation.
Source – BT TV
