Green Push in Aviation: SAF-Blended ATF Brought Under Regulatory Framework

In a significant step toward making India’s aviation sector more sustainable, the government has notified an amendment to the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001. The amendment brings Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)-blended ATF within the scope of the existing regulatory framework.The amendment expands the definition of ATF, which was earlier limited to petroleum-based fuels meeting BIS standards.It now includes fuels blended with sustainable or synthetic hydrocarbons such as SAF.This provides legal clarity and allows oil companies to blend and supply SAF within the existing regulatory framework. The move aligns India with the global carbon-reduction mechanism known as CORSIA, which becomes mandatory in 2027.The move is aligned with India’s broader strategy to transition toward cleaner fuels, reduce dependence on crude oil imports, and comply with global climate commitments.It also prepares the aviation sector for upcoming international emission regulations under International Civil Aviation Organization frameworks.

About Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

¨ Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a renewable aviation fuel made from alternative feedstocks such as agricultural residues, waste oils, municipal waste, and non-food crops.

¨  It consists of aviation-grade hydrocarbons chemically similar to conventional jet fuel, ensuring compatibility with existing aircraft engines and infrastructure.

¨   It can be produced through multiple pathways, including Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ), where ethanol is processed into high-energy jet fuel comparable to conventional ATF.

¨   SAF undergoes rigorous certification under ASTM standards and is approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization for aviation use.

¨     Currently, SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel (typically up to 50%) and used without modifying aircraft or infrastructure.

Benefits of SAF

¨   Decarbonisation Potential: SAF alone is expected to contribute over 60% of the global aviation sector’s decarbonisation efforts, making it the most critical near-term solution for reducing aviation emissions.

¨   Engine and Infrastructure Compatibility: SAF blended with conventional jet fuel can be used in existing aircraft engines and fuel infrastructure without requiring major modifications.

¨   Lower Emissions: Compared to conventional jet fuel, 100% SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, depending on the feedstock and production pathway.

¨    Operational Flexibility: SAF acts as a drop-in replacement fuel and can be produced from a wide range of feedstocks using multiple technological pathways.

¨     Challenges of SAF

¨  High Production Cost: SAF currently costs nearly three times more than conventional aviation fuel, limiting its commercial viability.

¨    Airline Resistance: Airlines remain cautious about adopting SAF due to concerns over increased operational costs and reduced profitability.

¨     Delayed Domestic Mandates: India plans to mandate SAF blending for domestic flights only after 2027, which slows down demand creation and large-scale adoption.

¨ Supply and Scale Limitations: Limited availability of sustainable feedstocks and underdeveloped production infrastructure restrict the ability to scale SAF to meet growing aviation demand.

¨  Ethanol Feedstock Constraint: Large-scale SAF production using ethanol can increase pressure on sugarcane and other feedstocks, making sustainability dependent on the timely expansion of second-generation (2G) ethanol from agricultural residues.