Airbus Partners with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to Develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Waste

New Delhi – European aerospace giant Airbus has signed a partnership agreement with India’s Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) to launch a research and development (R&D) initiative aimed at converting waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Under the Joint Study Agreement (JSA), Airbus and GSV will combine the university’s academic and research expertise with Airbus’ global industrial experience to create scalable, homegrown solutions for producing SAF from municipal solid waste.

According to Airbus, the collaboration reinforces India’s push towards a circular economy while advancing the company’s commitment to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing air travel markets.

“This JSA marks a crucial milestone in building a locally-sourced SAF supply chain—essential for the long-term sustainability of India’s aviation sector,” said Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India & South Asia.

The initiative will also support the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ missions by fostering applied research in the energy and environmental sectors.

As part of the project, Airbus will provide advanced R&D resources, hire researchers, and assist in waste collection in collaboration with the Earth Rakshak Foundation, a local NGO. The foundation will handle the collection and delivery of municipal solid waste from both urban and rural areas.

Julien Manhes, Airbus’ Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Carbon Dioxide Removal, noted that India’s diverse feedstock—ranging from agricultural and municipal waste to used cooking oil—positions it strongly to become a global hub for SAF production. He added that the country’s growing technological capabilities could make it a leader in SAF innovation.

With inputs from IANS