Akasa Air and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the development and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s SAF ecosystem and aligns with global aviation sustainability frameworks, including ICAO’s CORSIA mandate.
Under the MoU, Akasa Air and BPCL will establish a framework for the supply and offtake of SAF-blended Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) at designated airports across India. The partnership will also focus on enabling long-term supply readiness by sharing indicative demand forecasts, supporting production planning and working towards a phased increase in SAF blending as the domestic ecosystem matures. Both organisations will also jointly support the development of India’s SAF ecosystem through knowledge sharing, policy advocacy and engagement with government and industry stakeholders.
Ankur Goel, Chief Financial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “At Akasa Air, sustainability is one of our core values, shaping decisions we make across our business. Since inception, we have focused on building a modern, efficient airline through next-generation aircraft, technology and responsible practices on ground and in air. Our collaboration with BPCL builds on this foundation by strengthening our operational readiness for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and supporting the development of the supply ecosystem in India.”
Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), BPCL, stated: “BPCL is committed to providing comprehensive fuel solutions to the aviation sector through reliable supply, operational excellence and innovation. We have undertaken several digital transformation initiatives, including our state-of-the-art automation platform ‘Be-Winged’, to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency across the aviation fuel business. As India advances towards a low-carbon future, BPCL is actively pursuing multiple green energy initiatives and is committed to supporting the aviation industry’s decarbonization journey through sustainable and innovative energy solutions.”
The MoU was signed by Sujit Kumar, Chief General Manager – Marketing (Aviation), BPCL, and Ankur Goel, Chief Financial Officer, Akasa Air, in the presence of Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), BPCL, and Sanjeev Kumar, Business Head – Aviation, BPCL, along with senior leaders from both organisations.
Sustainability has been embedded in Akasa Air’s ethos since inception, with the airline continuing to implement initiatives that go beyond regulatory compliance to promote efficient and responsible operations.
Akasa Air’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet plays a central role in its sustainability strategy. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and featuring advanced-technology winglets, the aircraft reduces fuel use and emissions by 20 percent compared to previous-generation airplanes. The airline has also partnered with OpenAirlines to implement SkyBreathe®, a fuel management solution that uses advanced analytics to reduce carbon emissions and enhance operational efficiency across its network. Additionally, Akasa Air was the first Indian airline to voluntarily opt out of traditional water-cannon salutes at route inaugurations, conserving over 5,30,000 litres of water to date.
The partnership underscores Akasa Air’s commitment to supporting a more sustainable future for Indian aviation, while contributing to the Government of India’s broader energy transition and decarbonization goals.
