Airbus, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Forge Agreement to Pioneer Waste-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel R&D in India
•February 10, 2026
0
Companies Mentioned
Airbus
Why It Matters
The collaboration accelerates India’s aviation decarbonisation while fostering indigenous SAF production, reducing reliance on imported fuels and creating new economic opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- •Airbus partners with GSV for waste-to-SAF R&D.
- •Focus on municipal solid waste as feedstock.
- •Aims to create indigenous SAF supply chain in India.
- •Supports Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
- •Could position India as global SAF hub.
Pulse Analysis
India’s aviation sector is projected to double its passenger traffic by 2035, making decarbonisation a strategic priority. Sustainable Aviation Fuel, derived from waste streams, offers a viable pathway to cut carbon emissions without overhauling existing aircraft fleets. By targeting municipal solid waste, agricultural residues, and used cooking oil, the Airbus‑GSV initiative taps into abundant, low‑cost feedstocks, positioning SAF as a scalable alternative to conventional jet fuel.
The Joint Study Agreement formalises a multi‑layered collaboration: Airbus supplies cutting‑edge reactors, analytical tools, and seasoned researchers, while GSV contributes laboratory space, academic talent, and project management. A dedicated team will conduct laboratory experiments, pilot‑scale trials, and techno‑economic analyses, with the Earth Rakshak Foundation handling waste logistics. This integrated model ensures that research outputs can transition swiftly from proof‑of‑concept to commercial demonstration, reducing time‑to‑market for indigenous SAF technologies.
Beyond environmental benefits, the partnership fuels India’s broader industrial policy. By nurturing a domestic SAF value chain, the project creates high‑skill jobs, stimulates ancillary sectors such as waste collection and bio‑refining, and strengthens energy sovereignty. If successful, India could emerge as a global hub for waste‑derived SAF, exporting technology and fuel to neighboring markets. The initiative therefore represents a convergence of climate ambition, economic diversification, and strategic self‑reliance for the Indian aviation ecosystem.
Airbus, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya forge agreement to pioneer waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel R&D in India
New Delhi, November 6, 2025 – Airbus, a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), India’s premier industry‑driven university for the transportation and logistics sector, have announced the signing of a Joint Study Agreement (JSA) to launch a comprehensive research and development programme focused on converting waste materials into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The strategic partnership underscores Airbus’ commitment to accelerating the decarbonisation of one of the world’s fastest‑growing aviation markets and supporting India’s circular‑economy goals. The JSA is specifically designed to leverage GSV’s academic and research excellence with Airbus’ global industry expertise to create scalable, indigenous solutions for SAF production from municipal solid‑waste feedstock.
“Our partnership with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is a strategic investment in creating a sustainable, circular economy for aviation fuel right here in India,” said Jürgen Westermeier, President and MD, Airbus India & South Asia. “This JSA marks a critical step in establishing a locally‑sourced SAF supply chain, crucial for the long‑term sustainability of the Indian aviation market. The collaboration will foster an environment of applied research, supporting both the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives in the energy sector.”
Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor for GSV, added, “With continued strong support and involvement of industry leader Airbus, GSV shall strengthen the aviation sector in India.”
Under the agreement, Airbus is committing resources to procure advanced R&D equipment for laboratory and pilot‑scale studies, hire dedicated researchers at GSV to execute the joint R&D plan, and support backward linkage by providing necessary resources to a local NGO, Earth Rakshak Foundation, which will be responsible for collection and delivery of municipal solid waste from urban and rural centres for this project.
“India possesses a range of feedstock, from agricultural and municipal waste to used cooking oil, positioning it uniquely to become a global hub for SAF production. Coupled with its deep technology talent pool, the nation has the capability to innovate and scale waste‑to‑SAF conversion technologies rapidly. Such transition to locally‑produced SAF can be a significant economic enabler that will create new industries and ultimately contribute to India’s long‑term energy sovereignty,” said Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Carbon Dioxide Removal, Airbus.
The collaboration is expected to establish a strong indigenous capability in SAF technology, paving the way for a self‑reliant future for Indian aviation.
@Airbus #Sustainability #SAF #India
0
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...