Air India and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This partnership marks a significant step towards achieving India's goal of a 5% SAF blending target by 2030 and aligns with Air India’s strategy to reach the IATA Net Zero by 2050 target.
In a landmark move for India's aviation sector, India and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) have joined forces through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The agreement, signed by key officials from both organizations, represents a major stride towards decarbonizing air travel in the country and reinforcing India's commitment to global climate goals.
The collaboration leverages IOCL's recent achievement of becoming the first Indian company to receive the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) CORSIA certification for SAF production at its Panipat Refinery. This certification is a critical milestone, validating the refinery's capability to produce SAF that adheres to the stringent international sustainability and lifecycle carbon emission standards set by the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
Speaking at the event, Chairman of IndianOil, AS Sahney highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. "The signing of this MoU with Air India represents a strategic step in India’s transition to sustainable aviation," Sahney said. "With our ISCC-CORSIA-certified SAF from Panipat, IndianOil is ready to provide a sustainable fuel solution that will help decarbonize air travel. Partnering with India’s flagship carrier, we are aligning national growth with global climate goals and setting a benchmark for the industry."
CEO & Managing Director of Air India, Campbell Wilson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Air India’s commitment to its sustainability objectives. "Through this MoU with IndianOil, Air India is committed to support the Government of India’s initiatives to promote sustainable development in the aviation sector and to further its own sustainability goals to achieve the IATA Net Zero by 2050 target," he stated.
This partnership is part of Air India's broader and multi-faceted sustainability strategy. The airline is not only focusing on low-carbon fuels but also on significant operational and technological enhancements. Its massive fleet renewal plan, which includes an order for 570 new aircraft, is a cornerstone of this strategy. The new fleet is designed to be one of the lowest carbon-emitting fleets in the world. Additionally, the airline is working to optimize flight routes to establish more non-stop city-pairs, which will result in reduced emissions per flight.
