SpiceJet has successfully operated India’s first biofuel flight. The fuel was tested on the low-cost carrier’s Bombardier Q400 aircraft, which was powered by 25 per cent biojet fuel and 75 per cent air turbine fuel (ATF).
Developed by CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, this biofuel is made with Jatropha, an oilseed crop with sustainability genes.
SpiceJet’s 25-minute test flight between Dehradun and Delhi, carried 20 people including officials from aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), SpiceJet and the Indian Institute of Petroleum.
SpiceJet tweeted:
SpiceJet has stated that the advantage of using biojet fuel as compared to ATF is that it reduces carbon emissions and enhances fuel efficiency. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation industry contributes around two per cent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions.
Pranit Sarda
