India working to put into place new standards for aviation turbine fuels

New Delhi: In order to use biojet fuel on all military and civilian aircrafts, the government's Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has collaborated with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up new standards for aviation turbine fuels. "A committee constituted with domain experts was tasked to originate the required standards. After a series of deliberations over the past nine months, an Indian Standard IS 17081:2019 Aviation Turbine Fuel (Kerosene Type, Jet A-1) containing Synthesised Hydrocarbons, has been formulated," an official release said.

The IAF last month set out plans to expand the use of biojet fuel on its helicopters and transport fleet before coming to fighter aircraft. Biofuels, grown from food crops such as corn and soy, are used to replace fossil fuels like petroleum, diesel fuel and coal.

Why is a new standard required?

"This standard would enable the oil companies to manufacture biojet fuel for the Indian aviation industry. Given the advent of Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) by 2027, this is a significant development which could reduce the carbon emissions and help India become a green fuel production hub," the release added.

Even though the IAF has not yet formulated a long-term plan on the use of biojet fuel, it is still testing the biofuel on its aircraft.

In July, SpiceJet operated the country's first test flight powered by biojet fuel. India also became one of the few countries in the world to test biofuel for flying planes.