Jet-Setting Sustainability: Boeing Envisions India as Net Exporter of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

India is on the brink of becoming a key player in the global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market, with the potential to turn into a net exporter of this eco-friendly fuel, as highlighted by Boeing. At the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia, emphasized the unique advantages India holds and the transformative opportunity this presents not just for the country, but for the entire world.

 

Key Highlights

 

•⁠  ⁠Feedstock Abundance: India is rich in agricultural residue, used cooking oil, and other biomass, making it an ideal source for SAF production. This positions the nation to produce between 8 to 10 million tonnes of SAF each year—enough to cover over 5% of the global demand.

 

•⁠  ⁠Market Growth: As one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, India plans to add 2,500 new civil aircraft over the next two decades, with Indian carriers recently placing orders for more than 1,000 aircraft.

 

•⁠  ⁠Economic and Environmental Impact: By ramping up SAF production, India can play a significant role in decarbonizing the global aviation sector, which contributes to 2-3% of worldwide carbon emissions, while also tapping into substantial economic opportunities as a net exporter.

 

•⁠  ⁠Challenges Ahead: The biggest hurdle for SAF adoption isn’t the technology behind the aircraft, but rather the need for a consistent and cost-effective supply. Currently, SAF is priced at 2.5 to 3.5 times more than traditional aviation turbine fuel.

 

•⁠  ⁠Industry Partnerships: Boeing is teaming up with Indian companies like HPCL to fast-track the development of India’s SAF ecosystem and support the government’s environmental initiatives.

 

Outlook

 

India’s journey towards becoming a major SAF producer and exporter could transform the global aviation fuel landscape, providing a sustainable solution for airlines around the world and positioning India as a frontrunner in green aviation innovation.

 

Source: Business Standard, Economic Times, Boeing