Delhi: India has the potential to become a net exporter of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), according to Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia, who spoke at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 in the capital, reports Business Standard.
With global efforts intensifying to reduce carbon emissions from aviation—which accounts for roughly 2–3 percent of total global emissions—Gupte highlighted SAF as a key solution. He pointed out that India’s vast supply of feedstock, such as agricultural residue and used cooking oil, positions the country to play a leading role in SAF production.
“India can actually provide over 5 percent of the world’s SAF requirements,” said Gupte. “This means India can help decarbonise the civil aviation industry and even become an exporter of SAF.”
India is expected to add 2,500 new civil aircraft over the next 20 years, reinforcing its place among the fastest-growing aviation markets. Indian airlines have already placed orders for more than 1,000 planes, and Gupte believes this modernisation will support the country’s decarbonisation goals.
He stressed that the main challenge to widespread SAF adoption lies not in technology or aircraft readiness, but in ensuring a steady and affordable supply. Currently, SAF costs about 2.5 to 3.5 times more than traditional aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
To reach global net-zero aviation targets by 2050, annual SAF production must scale up to 185 million tonnes. Gupte estimates India could produce 8–10 million tonnes per year, thanks to its diverse feedstock sources.
Turning agricultural waste into aviation fuel, he noted, represents both an environmental and economic opportunity for India.
Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers, maintains a strong presence in India and has consistently supported initiatives to develop the local aerospace ecosystem.
