Akasa Air Operates Mumbai's First SAF-Blended Flight

Akasa Air, a low-cost carrier, has successfully operated a commercial flight from Mumbai to Goa using a blend of conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and 1% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The eco-blend was supplied by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a state-run energy giant.

The flight departed from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 1:05 pm and landed at Goa's Manohar International Airport in Mopa at 2:30 pm. This milestone marks the first operational flight following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Akasa Air and BPCL in July 2026.

The MoU aims to test, scale, and establish a commercial framework for SAF distribution across primary Indian hubs. The flight collected crucial operational data and fuel-performance metrics for both organizations, supporting India's national ambition to achieve a 5% mandatory SAF blend by 2030.

According to Akasa Air's chief financial officer, Ankur Goel, operationalizing the fuel blend translates strategic intent into practical progress. He emphasized that sustainability is one of Akasa Air's core values and that scaling SAF in India will require coordinated action across the ecosystem.

Industry experts view operational flights as essential proof-of-concept demonstrations needed to refine supply chains, handling procedures, and regulatory frameworks. A 1% blend may represent an incremental ratio, but it is a significant step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions across global commercial aviation by 2050.

BPCL's director of marketing, Subhankar Sen, acknowledged the challenges posed by feedstock availability and aggregation due to fragmented supply chains. However, he emphasized the strategic need for renewable fuel development, stating that sustained efforts across the value chain have helped create the foundation for a viable SAF ecosystem.

The use of SAF offers dual benefits of lower emissions and stronger national energy security for India, which relies heavily on crude oil imports. As the country moves towards achieving its sustainability goals, the success of this flight marks a significant milestone in the development of a commercial SAF framework.

In the long term, the adoption of SAF is expected to play a crucial role in reducing India's reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of climate change. With the support of organizations like Akasa Air and BPCL, the country is taking significant steps towards achieving a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.

The success of this flight demonstrates the potential for SAF to be integrated into commercial aviation, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for the industry. As India continues to work towards achieving its sustainability goals, the development of a commercial SAF framework is expected to play a vital role in reducing the country's carbon footprint.

In conclusion, the operation of India's first SAF-blended flight marks a significant milestone in the country's journey towards achieving a more sustainable future for the aviation industry. With the continued support of organizations like Akasa Air and BPCL, India is poised to make significant strides in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of climate change.