Boeing ties up with HPCL for sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem, BA

US-based aircraft maker Boeing has announced a partnership with state-owned oil marketing firm HPCL to establish a sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem in India. This collaboration aims to scale up sustainable aviation fuel production in the domestic market, support the certification of locally produced SAF, and advocate for policies that promote a robust SAF ecosystem in the country.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recognizes India’s potential to be a significant producer of SAF by utilizing ethanol supplies and non-edible industrial oils. Indian carriers have already operated flights using a blend of SAF and traditional aviation turbine fuel (ATF) in efforts to reduce emissions and promote decarbonization.

HPCL is actively working on commercializing SAF, with initiatives like the HP Green R&D Centre and Trijet technology for converting used cooking oil into sustainable aviation fuel. Boeing will collaborate with HPCL to implement sustainability standards across the SAF supply chain and share best practices in SAF production.

“SAF is a critical lever for decarbonizing the aviation sector, and strategic partnerships like this one with HPCL are essential for advancing SAF production,” said Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India and South Asia. SAF has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 84% over its life cycle, depending on the feedstock used.

As the global aviation industry focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the development and adoption of SAF are crucial for long-term sustainability goals, according to Amit Garg, Director of Marketing at HPCL. Boeing’s partnership with HPCL underscores its commitment to SAF investments and collaborations worldwide.