New Delhi: India’s recent changes to aviation fuel regulations are raising important questions: Are we truly embracing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), or is this just another policy update? The answer lies in the details of what has changed—and what hasn’t.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas made significant amendments on April 17, 2026. These changes redefine Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to permit blending with synthetic or man-made hydrocarbons, making room for ethanol-based fuels like SAF. This means that legally, aviation fuel in India is no longer strictly fossil-based.
This update is part of the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Amendment Order, which revises a framework that has remained unchanged since 2001. The goal is to clarify fuel standards as the global aviation industry shifts toward greener alternatives.
Why Make This Change?
This shift is driven by strategic, economic, and environmental needs. India currently imports about 85% of its crude oil, and aviation fuel is a significant expense for airlines. Furthermore, global energy routes face challenges due to geopolitical tensions. To address climate goals, this new policy builds on India’s past success with ethanol in petrol and extends it to aviation.
Is This New?
Not quite. Previously, ATF rules were rigid. There was no provision for blending biofuels. This change is the first formal recognition of SAF components in Indian aviation fuel regulations.
So, Is Ethanol Going into Aircraft Directly?
No, there’s a common misconception here. Aviation expert Ajay Jasra explains that the intent is not to pour ethanol directly into aircraft. Instead, ethanol can be processed into SAF, producing jet-grade hydrocarbons compatible with aircraft systems. This SAF can then be blended with traditional ATF.
Is It Safe for Planes?
Yes, to a large extent. Sanjay Lazar, another aviation expert, points out that SAF has been in use since 2008, with 40 countries and over 125 airports already adopting it. Most modern jets can handle blends of up to 50% SAF—some countries even allow 100% blends. Therefore, compatibility isn’t a major concern for Indian airlines, although supply and production could be challenging.
The Real Issues
1. **Supply and Production**: India needs significant production capacity for SAF. Currently, it lags behind countries like the U.S. and Brazil, which are leaders in SAF production. Major companies will need to step up to meet demand.
2. **Cost**: SAF is more expensive than traditional fuels. While ethanol may lower costs in the future, it won’t bring immediate savings.
3. **Blending Scale**: Current blending levels are minimal, barely scratching the surface. Significant benefits will only materialize once blending reaches higher levels of 10-20%.
Technical Concerns
Some worry that ethanol could negatively affect aircraft systems, but experts believe these fears are exaggerated. Lazar emphasizes that most modern jet engines can handle current ethanol blends just fine. However, the true concern lies in maintaining fuel quality and meeting Indian certification standards.
Advantages of Ethanol-Based Aviation Fuel
Captain C.S. Randhawa, president of the Federation of Indian Pilots, notes that ethanol-to-jet technology could cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional ATF. Additionally, if sourced from biomass, ethanol can even produce a carbon-negative lifecycle.
However, ethanol energy density is about 34% lower than that of kerosene. It can also attract water, leading to phase separation and microbial growth. These factors could necessitate costly modifications and hinder performance if ethanol were blended directly without conversion.
Has India Tried This?
Yes, to a limited extent. The Indian Air Force and SpiceJet have conducted test flights with biofuel blends. Now, with the new policy framework in place, there’s potential for more extensive trials.
So, Is It Really SAF ‘E’?
In terms of policy intent, yes. The government now supports pathways for producing SAF from ethanol, aligning with global trends. But in practice, the lack of large-scale production facilities, high costs, and minimal blending mean widespread adoption by airlines is still uncertain. The journey toward sustainable aviation in India is just beginning.
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