{
  "id": 6470325,
  "title": "Akasa Air & BPCL Operate First-Ever SAF-Blended Flight From Mumbai To Goa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/akasa-air-bpcl-operate-first-ever-saf-blended-flight-from-mumbai-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T19:28:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/akasa-air-bpcl-operate-first-ever-saf-blended-flight-from-mumbai-to-goa"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mumbai-based low-cost carrier Akasa Air has successfully operated India's first commercial flight utilizing a blend of conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and 1% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The eco-friendly blend was supplied by state-owned energy company Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and powered a flight from Mumbai to Goa. The aircraft, which departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 1.05pm and landed at Manohar International Airport in Mopa at 2.30pm, collected valuable data on fuel performance for future SAF expansion. This milestone operation supports India's goal of a 5% mandatory SAF blend by 2030 and aligns with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in global commercial aviation by 2050. The deal between Akasa Air and BPCL came into effect after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in July 2026. The partnership aims to test, scale, and establish a commercial framework for SAF distribution across major Indian hubs. While a 1% blend may seem minimal, industry experts consider it a crucial proof-of-concept demonstration to refine supply chains, handling procedures, and regulatory frameworks. Akasa Air's CFO Ankur Goel emphasized that operationalising the fuel blend translates strategic intent into tangible progress. Sustainability is a core value of Akasa Air, shaping the airline's long-term development. The successful flight highlights the importance of indigenous SAF production for lower emissions and stronger national energy security. However, supply chain fragmentation and complex feedstock aggregation continue to pose challenges for scaling SAF in India. BPCL's Director of Marketing, Subhankar Sen, acknowledged these obstacles while stressing the strategic need for renewable fuel development. The transition to sustainable aviation fuels is seen as both an environmental imperative and a strategic necessity for India.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: Low-cost carrier Akasa Air operated a commercial flight utilising conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF) blended with 1% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The eco-blend, supplied by state-run energy giant Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), powered a flight operating from Mumbai to Goa. Flight Collects Fuel Performance Data For Future SAF Expansion The aircraft departed Mumbai’s…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}