Government Brings SAF-Blended Aviation Fuel Under ATF Control Order

📌 Summary:

• Government amended Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Control Order (notified April 17, 2026) to bring SAF-blended ATF under regulatory ambit

• SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel): renewable fuel from alternative feedstocks (crops, biogenic residues, waste); chemically similar to ATF; undergoes rigorous ICAO-recognised ASTM International testing

• ICAO implementing CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) — mandatory phase from 2027; international flights must offset emissions above baseline

• India's SAF blending targets for international flights: 1% in 2027, 2% in 2028, 5% in 2030

• ATF definition expanded to include: (a) SAF co-processed with ATF as per IS 1571 in refineries, and (b) SAF conforming to IS 17081 blended with ATF

• CORSIA-eligible SAF must meet BIS specifications AND CORSIA sustainability criteria

• Global comparison: EU mandate 2% (2025) → 70% (2050); UK 2% (2025) → 22% (2040); Japan 10% by 2030; Singapore 1% from 2026; US uses production incentives

• India aligning with global SAF supply chains and meeting international aviation emission obligations

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 – Environment: Climate Change, Renewable Energy; GS3 Economy: Energy, Infrastructure; India's aviation sector decarbonisation roadmap

📝 Prelims Facts:

• CORSIA: Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (ICAO mechanism); mandatory phase starts 2027

• India SAF blend targets: 1% (2027), 2% (2028), 5% (2030)

• ATF Control Order originally enacted: 2001

• IS 17081: BIS specification for SAF; IS 1571: BIS specification for ATF

• SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% vs conventional jet fuel

🔑 Key Term: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – fuel produced from sustainable biomass/waste sources that can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 80%; key to achieving aviation sector's net-zero commitments under ICAO's CORSIA framework