India’s SAF readiness stands at 52%, Boeing-RSB report finds
A new report by Boeing and RSB reveals India's 52% readiness for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and outlines the roadmap to meet 2030 blending targets.
India is currently navigating a pivotal transition in its aviation sector as it moves from initial explorations toward the widespread adoption of greener fuels. According to a comprehensive new report released by Boeing and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), the nation's overall readiness for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is currently rated at 52 per cent.
This assessment suggests that while India is making steady progress, there is still a significant journey ahead to build the necessary ecosystem to support a decarbonized aviation industry. The report provides an evidence-based roadmap, highlighting both the foundational strengths and the critical gaps that need to be addressed to meet upcoming environmental mandates.
A Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Readiness
The RSB developed this evaluation by looking at nine critical pillars that determine a country's ability to transition to sustainable fuels. These dimensions include:
- Feedstock availability and management
- Production capacity for biofuels
- Policy frameworks and regulatory clarity
- Supply chain efficiency and logistics
- Market demand from airlines and passengers
- Investment opportunities and financing models
- Research and development (R&D) efforts
- Technology readiness levels
- Enabling infrastructure and support services
By scoring India at 52 per cent, the report indicates that the country has established a moderate level of preparedness, but requires more coordinated development across these sectors to reach full maturity.
Ambitious Blending Targets and Demand Projections
The Indian aviation sector is working under a strict timeline to integrate sustainable alternatives into its fuel mix. The government has set specific blending targets that will test the country's production and logistical capabilities:
- 1 per cent blending target by 2027
- 2 per cent blending target by 2028
- 5 per cent blending target by 2030
Furthermore, India has committed to participating in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) starting in 2027. Under the projected 5 per cent blending scenario for 2030, the demand for SAF—covering both domestic and international flights—is expected to reach approximately 720 million litres (roughly 0.6 million tons per year).
Interestingly, the report notes a massive disparity between demand and potential. While the demand for 2030 is estimated at 0.6 million tons, India's estimated production potential is significantly higher, ranging between 14 to 33 million tons per year. This suggests that India could potentially become a major global supplier if the right infrastructure is developed.
Industry Leaders Call for Coordinated Action
As one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, the stakes for India's transition are high. Industry experts emphasize that production capacity alone will not suffice; a holistic ecosystem must be built.
Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India & South Asia, noted that the report is vital because it pinpointed exactly where India has the foundational capacity and where the specific opportunities lie. He emphasized that a well-researched path is essential for a market of this scale.
Supporting this sentiment, Bettina Paschke, Executive Director of RSB, stated that the opportunity for India is "substantial." She highlighted that the assessment provides stakeholders with a common evidence base to move from discussion to action.
The report concludes that the successful realization of India's SAF potential will depend on seamless collaboration between the government, private industry, financial institutions, and various other stakeholders to build a robust, sustainable fuel market.