Sustainable aviation fuel usage could be incentivised as Centre looks at reducing emission in aviation

Flights which are run on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could attract incentives like waiver of passenger fees and user development fees (charged by airports). The government has identified aviation as one of the primary sectors to reduce emission. In line with this, the Centre is asking airlines, airports and ground handlers to take initiatives. Moreover, to raise the local production of sustainable aviation fuel, policy think tank Niti Aayog has also recommended several steps. Niti Aayog has suggested 5 per cent GST on the SAF, adding that the Centre could do away with some charges for flights which are operated with SAF, people privy of the development told Economic Times. SAF is a biofuel and has properties similar to conventional jet fuel, but with a smaller carbon footprint. So as to boost the production of this fuel, the think tank has also proposed that the government provide investment support to encourage oil marketing companies to produce SAF. Taxi bots push the aircraft to the take-off point, so the aircraft engine can be switched on later than usual, which in turn helps preserve jet fuel.