Aviation Ministry Pitches SAF and Regional Airport Connectivity By CIO Tech Outlook Team

Aviation Ministry Pitches SAF and Regional Airport Connectivity

CIO Tech Outlook Team | Tuesday, 10 September 2024, 02:19 IST

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu emphasized the need for sustainable practices in the aviation industry, including the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), during a conference organized by industry body Ficci. Naidu advocated for reducing carbon emissions and mentioned that several airports in India have already achieved carbon-neutral status.

In an effort to boost regional air connectivity, Naidu announced that the civil aviation ministry has identified 106 airports and airstrips that are suitable for development to support regional flight operations. This move aligns with the government's ongoing efforts under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel more accessible to the common citizen.

Naidu also outlined plans for the incorporation of SAF into international commercial flights, with a target of blending 1% of SAF with jet fuel by 2027, and increasing that percentage to 2% by 2028. This goal is in line with the global framework set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which mandates a minimum 1% SAF blend for international flights by 2027.

Additionally, the minister emphasized India's ambition to establish global aviation hubs, building on the rapid growth of the country's aviation sector and the expansion of regional air services.