New Delhi: Airbus, a global leader in aerospace innovation, and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), India’s premier industry-driven university for the transportation and logistics sector, have signed a Joint Study Agreement (JSA) to launch a comprehensive research and development (R&D) programme focused on converting waste materials into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
This strategic partnership highlights Airbus’ commitment to decarbonising one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets while supporting India’s circular economy and energy transition goals. The JSA combines GSV’s academic and research strengths with Airbus’ global expertise to create scalable, indigenous solutions for SAF production from municipal solid waste (MSW) feedstock.
“Our partnership with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is a strategic investment in creating a sustainable, circular economy for aviation fuel right here in India,” said Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India & South Asia. “This JSA marks a critical step toward establishing a locally sourced SAF supply chain — vital for the long-term sustainability of India’s aviation sector. The collaboration will foster applied research while advancing the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in clean energy.”
Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice-Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, added, “With the continued support and involvement of industry leader Airbus, GSV will play a key role in strengthening India’s aviation sector through sustainable innovation.”
Under the agreement, Airbus will fund advanced R&D infrastructure for laboratory and pilot-scale studies at GSV, recruit dedicated researchers, and provide technical and logistical support. Additionally, Airbus will collaborate with the Earth Rakshak Foundation, an NGO tasked with collecting and supplying municipal solid waste from urban and rural centers for the project’s feedstock requirements.
“India possesses a wide range of feedstock — from agricultural and municipal waste to used cooking oil — uniquely positioning it to become a global hub for SAF production,” said Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Carbon Dioxide Removal, Airbus. “With its robust technology ecosystem, India can rapidly innovate and scale waste-to-SAF conversion technologies. This transition to domestically produced SAF will not only drive new industries but also strengthen India’s long-term energy sovereignty.”
The collaboration is expected to establish indigenous capabilities in SAF technology, positioning India as a self-reliant leader in sustainable aviation fuel development and a key contributor to the global decarbonisation agenda.
