Government Brings SAF-Blended Fuel Under ATF Control Order; Sets Stage for Aviation Decarbonisation
International Civil Aviation Organization-recognised SAF consists of renewable aviation-grade hydrocarbons derived from alternative feedstocks such as agricultural crops, waste, and biogenic residues.
The amendment, notified on April 17, expands the definition of ATF to include SAF co-processed in refineries and SAF blended with conventional fuel, provided they meet Bureau of Indian Standards specifications.
New Delhi: The Union government has brought aviation turbine fuel (ATF) blended with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) under the regulatory ambit of the ATF Control Order, 2001, in a move aimed at aligning India’s aviation sector with global decarbonisation norms.
The amendment, notified on April 17, expands the definition of ATF to include SAF co-processed in refineries and SAF blended with conventional fuel, provided they meet Bureau of Indian Standards specifications.
International Civil Aviation Organization-recognised SAF consists of renewable aviation-grade hydrocarbons derived from alternative feedstocks such as agricultural crops, waste, and biogenic residues. It is fully compatible with aircraft engines and undergoes rigorous testing under international standards before deployment.
The move is significant as global aviation transitions towards lower emissions under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), whose mandatory phase begins in 2027. SAF use is expected to help airlines reduce carbon offsetting obligations under the framework.
India has already announced indicative SAF blending targets for international flights—1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030—and the latest amendment is seen as a key enabling step to operationalise these goals.
Globally, major aviation markets are moving in a similar direction. The European Union and the United Kingdom have introduced SAF mandates, while the United States is promoting production through incentives. Countries such as Japan and Singapore have also announced blending targets for the coming decade.
The government said the policy shift will help integrate India into the global SAF supply chain while supporting domestic production capabilities and advancing the country’s broader clean energy transition.
