IATA’s Preeti Jain Highlights India’s Potential as SAF Hub

Key Takeaways

• India aims to produce up to 40 million metric tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2050.
• Uttar Pradesh launched India’s first state-level SAF Manufacturing Promotion Policy in June 2025.
• National blending targets require 1% SAF by 2027, increasing to 5% by 2030.

India’s Push to Become a Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Hub: 2025 Developments, Policies, and What It Means for the Future

India is stepping into a new era of aviation, aiming to become a major international hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). On July 1, 2025, Preeti Jain, Head of Net Zero Transition Programs at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), made it clear: India has a unique chance to lead the world in SAF production and export, but only if it acts quickly with strong policies and incentives. This move is not just about cleaner skies—it’s about jobs, rural growth, and putting India at the center of the world’s green aviation map.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how it could change the future for travelers, airlines, farmers, and the environment.

India’s SAF Revolution: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

• Who: Key players include the Indian government, state governments like Uttar Pradesh, major companies such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), global aviation leaders like Boeing, and alliances such as the India Sustainable Aviation Fuel Alliance. Preeti Jain of IATA is a leading voice pushing for rapid action.
• What: India is rolling out new policies, blending targets, and incentives to boost the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel—a cleaner alternative to regular jet fuel made from things like farm waste and used cooking oil.
• When: Major steps have been taken in 2025, with the India SAF Alliance launching in February and Uttar Pradesh introducing the country’s first state-level SAF policy in June. National blending targets start in 2027, but some companies are moving faster.
• Where: The action is nationwide, but Uttar Pradesh is leading with its own SAF Manufacturing Promotion Policy. Other states are expected to follow.
• Why: SAF is key to meeting India’s climate goals, creating new jobs, helping farmers earn more, and making India a global leader in green aviation.

India Sustainable Aviation Fuel Alliance: A New Era of Collaboration

In February 2025, during India Climate Week in New Delhi, the India Sustainable Aviation Fuel Alliance was launched. This group brings together government officials, fuel producers, airlines, and environmental groups. Their goal is simple: speed up the use of SAF across the country.

By working together, these groups hope to solve big challenges—like making SAF affordable, ensuring there’s enough supply, and creating rules that help everyone involved. The alliance is led by the Communications Multimedia and Infrastructure Association of India (CMAI) and co-chaired by industry leaders.

Uttar Pradesh Leads with India’s First State-Level SAF Policy

In June 2025, Uttar Pradesh made history by rolling out India’s first state-level SAF Manufacturing Promotion Policy. This policy aims to attract ₹3,000 crore (about $360 million) in investment. To do this, the state is offering:

• Capital subsidies: Money to help companies build SAF factories
• GST reimbursements: Returning some taxes to make investment cheaper
• Land waivers: Making it easier and cheaper to get land for new plants

Already, more than 18 companies have shown interest in setting up SAF production units in Uttar Pradesh. This could mean thousands of new jobs and a big boost for the local economy.

National Blending Targets: Setting the Bar for SAF Use

India’s government has set clear targets for blending SAF with regular jet fuel:

• 1% SAF blending by 2027
• 2% by 2028
• 5% by 2030

These targets mean that airlines will have to use more SAF in their planes over time. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), one of the country’s biggest fuel companies, plans to hit the 1% blending mark as early as July-September 2025—well ahead of the government’s deadline.

India has also signed up for the ICAO CORSIA framework (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) and the Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG) starting in 2027. This puts India in line with global efforts to cut carbon emissions from flying.

India’s SAF Production Potential: Big Numbers, Big Promise

India has a huge advantage when it comes to making SAF. According to industry estimates:

• Up to 40 million metric tonnes of SAF could be produced by 2050
• More than 150 million metric tonnes of feedstock (raw materials) will be available each year by then

Feedstock includes things like crop waste, used cooking oil, and non-food plants. Using these materials means SAF production won’t compete with food supplies.

Right now, global SAF production is less than 1% of all jet fuel use. India’s domestic production is just getting started, but the country is moving fast. Boeing estimates that India could eventually make 8–10 million metric tonnes of SAF each year—enough to meet over 5% of the world’s demand.

Key Voices: What Industry Leaders Are Saying

• Preeti Jain (IATA): She points out that India’s large supply of feedstock and its growing aviation market make it the perfect place to scale up SAF production. But she warns that strong policies and financial incentives are needed to make it happen.
• Salil Gupte (Boeing India): He believes India could become a net exporter of SAF, using its agricultural waste and meeting both domestic and international demand.
• Government of Uttar Pradesh: By offering direct incentives, the state hopes to become a model for others and attract major investment.
• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC): The company is investing in new SAF plants and is committed to meeting blending targets ahead of schedule.

How SAF Policy Is Being Put Into Action: Step by Step

1. Policy Formation: The central government sets national blending targets, while states like Uttar Pradesh create their own incentives to attract investment.
2. Industry Collaboration: Groups like the India SAF Alliance bring together everyone involved—government, companies, airlines, and environmental groups—to solve problems and push for progress.
3. Feedstock Sourcing: The focus is on using agricultural waste, used cooking oil, and non-food plants. This helps farmers earn more money and avoids taking food away from people.
4. Production Scaling: Both public and private companies are investing in new SAF factories. For example, IOC is building new plants just for SAF.
5. Blending and Distribution: Refineries mix SAF with regular jet fuel to meet the government’s blending targets.
6. Certification and Export: Partnerships, such as between Boeing and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), are working to certify SAF for use in India and for export, making sure it meets international standards.

Economic and Social Impact: Who Benefits?

The push for SAF is about more than just cleaner fuel. It’s a chance to:

• Create jobs: Building and running SAF plants will need thousands of workers, especially in rural areas.
• Help farmers: By selling crop waste for SAF production, farmers can earn extra income.
• Boost exports: If India becomes a net exporter of SAF, it could bring in billions of dollars.
• Support climate goals: SAF is a key part of India’s plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2070, as promised in the Panchamrit strategy announced by Prime Minister Modi.

Challenges on the Road Ahead

While the opportunities are huge, there are real challenges:

• High costs: Making SAF currently costs 2.5 to 3.5 times more than regular jet fuel. This makes it hard for airlines to switch unless there are strong incentives.
• Limited capacity: India’s SAF production is still in the early stages. Scaling up will take time and money.
• Need for strong policies: Without clear rules and financial support, companies may be slow to invest.

How India’s Approach Differs from Other Countries

India is taking a different path compared to places like the European Union and the United Kingdom. Instead of heavy regulations and expensive supply chain rules, India is focusing on:

• Blending mandates: Setting clear targets for how much SAF must be used
• State-level incentives: Letting states like Uttar Pradesh offer their own support to attract business

This approach is designed to make it easier for companies to invest and for the industry to grow quickly.

Historical Context: Building on Past Success

India’s aviation sector is already the third largest in the world and is growing fast. The country plans to expand from 137 to over 200 airports by 2030. India also has experience with biofuels—such as blending ethanol into gasoline—which provides a useful model for scaling up SAF.

Since 2023, India’s SAF policy has moved quickly from small pilot projects to national and state-level mandates and alliances. This rapid progress shows the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in green aviation.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for India’s SAF Sector?

• Production Doubling: IATA expects global SAF production to double in 2025, but this will still be far below what’s needed by 2030.
• Export Potential: As global demand for SAF grows, India is well-placed to become a major exporter, especially to countries trying to meet their own net-zero aviation targets by 2050.
• More State Policies: Other Indian states are likely to follow Uttar Pradesh’s example, rolling out their own SAF promotion policies.
• Technological Innovation: Ongoing research and development, such as HPCL’s “Trijet” technology, will be key to making SAF cheaper and using more types of feedstock.

What Does This Mean for Stakeholders?

• Immigrants and Workers: New SAF plants and supply chains will create jobs, especially in rural areas. This could attract workers from other regions or even other countries, boosting local economies.
• Farmers: By selling agricultural waste, farmers can earn more money and reduce the need to burn crop residue, which causes air pollution.
• Airlines: Airlines will need to start using more SAF to meet blending targets. This could mean higher costs at first, but also new opportunities to market themselves as green leaders.
• Investors and Companies: With strong policies and incentives, India is becoming an attractive place to invest in SAF production and related industries.
• Environmental Groups: The shift to SAF is a big step toward cleaner skies and meeting India’s climate commitments.

Official Resources for More Information

For readers who want to learn more about India’s aviation policies and SAF initiatives, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India provides up-to-date information on regulations, targets, and industry developments. Visit their official website at https://www.civilaviation.gov.in.

Expert Analysis: India’s Path to Global Leadership in SAF

As reported by VisaVerge.com, India’s strong feedstock supply, growing aviation market, and new policies put it in a strong position to lead the world in Sustainable Aviation Fuel. However, experts like Preeti Jain stress that rapid scaling is needed to meet both domestic and export demand. Boeing’s Salil Gupte adds that the SAF sector could drive rural development, energy security, and climate action, but only if cost and supply challenges are addressed.

Regional policies, such as those in Uttar Pradesh, are already showing how local innovation can attract investment and create new jobs. These state-level efforts may soon become models for other parts of the country.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• For policymakers: Continue to roll out clear, strong incentives and blending targets to encourage investment and rapid growth in SAF production.
• For companies and investors: Take advantage of new policies and incentives, especially in leading states like Uttar Pradesh, to set up SAF plants and supply chains.
• For farmers: Explore opportunities to sell agricultural waste for SAF production, creating new income streams.
• For job seekers: Watch for new job openings in SAF plants, logistics, and related industries, especially in rural areas.
• For environmental advocates: Support policies and projects that promote SAF as a key part of India’s climate strategy.

India’s journey to becoming a global hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel is well underway. With the right mix of policy, investment, and innovation, the country can create new jobs, help farmers, and lead the world in green aviation—all while keeping its skies cleaner for future generations.

Learn Today

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) → Cleaner jet fuel alternative made from renewable resources like farm waste and used cooking oil.
Blending Targets → Government mandates setting percentage goals for mixing SAF with regular jet fuel over time.
Feedstock → Raw materials such as crop waste and used cooking oil used to produce SAF sustainably.
Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) → Global program aiming to reduce international aviation carbon emissions starting in 2027.
Capital Subsidies → Financial support provided by governments to help companies build SAF production facilities.

This Article in a Nutshell

India is rapidly advancing to become a global Sustainable Aviation Fuel hub, led by strong policies and state initiatives. Uttar Pradesh’s SAF incentives attract major investments. These efforts not only boost green aviation but also create jobs, support farmers, and position India as a global leader in clean aviation fuels.
— By VisaVerge.com