New Delhi: Boeing has partnered with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to accelerate the development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ecosystem in India. The collaboration aims to enhance domestic SAF production, support certification processes, and promote policy initiatives to expand SAF adoption in the country.
Focus on Domestic SAF Production
India has significant potential to become a key SAF producer, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), due to its ethanol supplies and availability of lipid feedstocks like non-edible industrial oils. The Boeing-HPCL partnership will explore opportunities to scale SAF production using indigenous resources and innovative technologies.
HPCL has been actively working on SAF commercialisation through its HP Green R&D Centre. The centre has developed and patented Trijet technology, which converts used cooking oil into SAF. The company aims to leverage research and innovation to support sustainable energy solutions for the aviation sector.
Boeing’s Role in SAF Development
Boeing will work with HPCL to implement sustainability standards across the SAF supply chain. The aircraft manufacturer also plans to facilitate training programs and share global best practices with stakeholders involved in SAF production and distribution.
“SAF is a critical component in aviation decarbonisation. Strategic partnerships within India’s aerospace ecosystem are essential to scale production and make SAF more accessible,” said Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India and South Asia.
Growing Push for Sustainable Aviation
With increasing pressure to cut emissions, Indian carriers have begun operating select flights using a blend of SAF and traditional aviation turbine fuel (ATF). SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 84% over its lifecycle, depending on the feedstock.
HPCL’s Director of Marketing, Amit Garg, emphasised the need for widespread SAF adoption to meet long-term sustainability goals in aviation. The Boeing-HPCL collaboration is expected to contribute to India’s efforts to establish a self-sufficient SAF ecosystem while aligning with global decarbonisation targets.
