The Indian aviation sector is on a skyrocketing journey, but this growth comes with a hefty environmental price tag. Greenhouse gas emissions are a major concern, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires a drastic course correction. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as a gamechanger, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel. However, adopting SAF in India requires navigating a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities.

One of the biggest hurdles is ensuring a steady supply of sustainable feedstock for SAF production. While India has an abundance of potential raw materials, the infrastructure for collecting, segregating, and supplying these materials efficiently is lacking. This needs to be addressed to avoid disruptions in the SAF production chain. Furthermore, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for feedstock cultivation is crucial. Large-scale cultivation of crops like oil palms, if not managed carefully, can lead to deforestation, water scarcity, and competition with food production. India needs to strike a delicate balance between harnessing its resources and protecting its agricultural future.

Cost is another major barrier. Currently, SAF is significantly more expensive than conventional jet fuel. This acts as a strong disincentive for airlines, who are already operating on tight margins. Large-scale production of SAF is essential to bring down the price. Government support, in the form of subsidies or tax breaks, can play a crucial role in making SAF a more attractive option for airlines.

Policy and regulatory frameworks also need to evolve to support SAF adoption. The current approval process for SAF production is lengthy and cumbersome, hindering the scaling up of production capacity. Streamlining these processes and creating a more supportive regulatory environment is crucial.

Technological advancements offer a glimmer of hope for the future. While battery-powered and hydrogen fuel cell technologies hold immense promise for zero-emission aviation, their current limitations restrict their applicability to shorter routes. However, continued research and development in these areas are essential for the long-term decarbonisation of the aviation sector.

Despite the challenges, India has the potential to become a leader in sustainable aviation. A collaborative effort between the government, aviation industry, and research institutions is essential to overcome these hurdles. India should tailor policies to its unique challenges and requirements and the government can play a pivotal role by developing a comprehensive policy framework that incentivises SAF production, mandates blending SAF with traditional jet fuel, and invests in research and development of clean aviation technologies. Collaboration between various Government Departments and Ministries like the Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and others, is crucial in formulating a comprehensive policy framework for decarbonising the aviation sector. A transparent and predictable policy environment fosters investor confidence and accelerates the transition towards low-carbon aviation. Airlines can contribute by exploring options to share the cost burden of SAF.

Public-private partnerships are another key driver of progress. Encouraging private companies to invest in SAF production through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives can significantly accelerate the development of a robust domestic SAF industry. Also, collaboration with leading countries in sustainable aviation is crucial. By learning from best practices and sharing knowledge, India can expedite its transition towards a low-carbon aviation sector.

The road to a sustainable aviation industry is paved with both challenges and opportunities. Policy implementation with country- and region- specific directives will be core to the acceleration of this process. Efforts should be focused on cost-effective SAF production and scaling up, in addition to the adoption of global best practices in this sector. Seeking more intensive collaborations and strategic partnerships in aviation will lay the foundation for a systemic low-carbon transition.

In India, a collaborative effort, led by the Government, is needed in addressing these issues related to feedstock availability, cost competitiveness, policy frameworks, and technological advancements. Urgent and decisive action on the part of all stakeholders, working towards a common objective of promoting the usage of SAF, can ensure that the aviation sector in India soars towards a cleaner and greener future. This joint effort will not only benefit the environment but also solidify India’s position as a global leader in sustainable aviation.