Vistara, one of India's leading airlines, has achieved a significant milestone in the country's aviation industry by becoming the first carrier to operate a long-haul flight on a wide-body aircraft using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The ferry flight, which involved delivering a Dreamliner from Charleston to Delhi using a blend of 30% SAF and 70% conventional jet fuel, helped Vistara reduce approximately 1.5 lakh pounds of CO₂ emissions over the fuel's life cycle.
This achievement is a testament to Vistara's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and reducing carbon emissions across all areas of its operations.
The airline has invested in modern and advanced new aircraft with fuel-efficient engines, and it is working with the Tata Aviation Sustainability Working Group to reduce carbon emissions.
SAF is a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuel, lowering carbon emissions by up to 80% over the fuel's life cycle, depending on the feedstock.
Vistara's use of SAF in its long-haul flight is a significant step towards decarbonization in the aviation industry, which aims to become carbon neutral or net zero by 2050, with significant cuts having achieved by 2030.
This achievement has been made possible by the collaboration between Vistara, Boeing, and GE Aerospace. The GEnx engine, like all GE Aerospace engines, can operate on approved SAF blends today, making it a critical factor in the aviation industry's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Vistara's use of SAF is an example of how the aviation industry can adopt sustainable technologies to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
The airline's commitment to sustainability should inspire other carriers to follow suit and prioritize decarbonization efforts in their operations.
As aviation aims to become carbon neutral, the sustainable availability of SAF remains a challenge. However, collaborations between airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and other stakeholders can help increase the availability of SAF and promote its use in the aviation industry.
In conclusion, Vistara's achievement is a significant step towards a sustainable future for air travel. As the industry works towards decarbonization, collaborations like this will help accelerate progress and move us closer to achieving net-zero emissions.
