The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has clarified that the Government of India has no proposal to blend ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), dismissing reports suggesting otherwise as “completely false and irresponsible.”
According to a statement shared by Hon’ble Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu on his official social media account, the Government has no proposal to blend ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), and reports suggesting otherwise are incorrect.
“There is no such proposal,” he added, stating that spreading misinformation about aviation safety only creates unnecessary concern among air travellers.
The Hon’ble Minister explained that ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are entirely different fuels. While ethanol is commonly blended with petrol for road vehicles, SAF is a specially developed aviation fuel that is internationally certified for use in aircraft. It undergoes extensive testing and complies with strict global safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
He also reiterated that passenger safety remains the Government’s highest priority, and that there is no plan to introduce ethanol into Aviation Turbine Fuel.
The Difference Between Ethanol and SAF
Recent reports and social media discussions suggested that the government was planning to blend ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), similar to the ethanol blending programme used for petrol in cars and motorcycles.
However, the Ministry has clarified that this is not true.
Here’s the difference:
- Ethanol is a biofuel made mainly from sugarcane and other agricultural feedstocks. In India, it is blended with petrol to reduce crude oil imports and lower emissions from road transport.
- Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) is the specialized fuel used to power aircraft engines.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an alternative aviation fuel made from sustainable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural waste and other renewable sources. Unlike ethanol, SAF is specifically designed and certified for aviation use.
The government’s clarification reinforces that only internationally certified Sustainable Aviation Fuel is being promoted for aviation, while there is no proposal to blend ethanol with ATF.
