Akasa Air and BPCL partner to accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel adoption in India

National, 15th July 2026: Akasa Air, India's fastest-growing airline, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. The partnership marks an important step towards strengthening the country's SAF ecosystem and supports India's broader decarbonization ambitions, while aligning with global aviation sustainability frameworks including ICAO’s CORSIA mandate.

Under the MoU, Akasa Air and BPCL have collaborated on establishing a framework for supply and offtake of SAF blended Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) at designated airports across India. The partnership will also focus on enabling long-term supply readiness by sharing indicative demand forecasts, supporting production planning and working towards a phased increase in SAF blending as the domestic ecosystem matures. Both organisations will also jointly support the development of India's SAF ecosystem through knowledge sharing, policy advocacy and engagement with government and industry stakeholders.

Commenting on the partnership, Ankur Goel, Chief Financial Officer, Akasa Air, said: "At Akasa Air, sustainability is one of our core values, shaping decisions we make across our business. Since inception, we have focused on building a modern, efficient airline through next-generation aircraft, technology and responsible practices on ground and in air. Our collaboration with BPCL builds on this foundation by strengthening our operational readiness for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and supporting the development of the supply ecosystem in India."

Speaking on the occasion, Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), BPCL, said: “BPCL is committed to providing comprehensive fuel solutions to the aviation sector through reliable supply, operational excellence and innovation. We have undertaken several digital transformation initiatives, including our state-of-the-art automation platform ‘Be-Winged’, to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency across the aviation fuel business. As India advances towards a low-carbon future, BPCL is actively pursuing multiple green energy initiatives and is committed to supporting the aviation industry's decarbonization journey through sustainable and innovative energy solutions.”

 

The MoU was signed by Mr. Sujit Kumar, Chief General Manager – Marketing (Aviation), BPCL, and Mr. Ankur Goel, Chief Financial Officer, Akasa Air, in the august presence of Mr. Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), BPCL, and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Business Head – Aviation, BPCL in the presence of senior leaders from BPCL and Akasa Air.

 

Sustainability has been embedded in Akasa Air’s ethos since inception, and the airline continues to implement initiatives that go beyond regulatory compliance to set benchmarks for conscious and efficient operations.

 

Akasa Air’s brand-new Boeing 737 MAX fleet is a key enabler of its mission to operate one of the most environmentally progressive and fuel-efficient fleets in the Indian skies. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and incorporating advanced-technology winglets, the 737 MAX offers excellent economics, reducing fuel use and emissions by 20 percent compared to the airplanes it replaces. The airline has also partnered with OpenAirlines to implement SkyBreathe®, a cutting-edge fuel management solution that uses advanced analytics to reduce carbon emissions and enhance operational efficiency across the network. Akasa Air was the first Indian airline to voluntarily opt out of traditional water-cannon salutes at route inaugurations, conserving over 5,30,000 litres of water to date.

 

This announcement further underscores Akasa Air’s commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for Indian aviation, while supporting the Government of India’s broader energy transition and decarbonization goals.

About Akasa Air:

Akasa Air is India’s most dependable airline, offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares - all in the Akasa Way. Akasa’s youthful personality, employee-centric philosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service make this commitment a reality for all Indians.     

 

Akasa Air’s consistent on-time leadership, operational efficiencies and extremely positive customer feedback have made it a preferred carrier in India, serving over 29 million passengers since its launch in August 2022. Akasa Air currently connects with  28  domestic and seven international cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Sri Vijaya Puram, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, Kozhikode, Navi Mumbai, Dibrugarh, Noida, Udaipur, Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kuwait City (Kuwait), Phuket (Thailand) and Hanoi (Vietnam). 

 

With a clear focus on sustained, long-term growth, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient LEAP-1B engines. It currently operates 40 737 MAX aircraft, which deliver superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions. The aircraft also has a quieter cabin with 40 per cent less noise, fulfilling the airline's promise of being an environmentally progressive company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.  

 

For more information, visit  www.akasaair.com   

 

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