2. The Group Chairman of Sky One also shares insights on easing
the pressure on airlines as they navigate their sustainability
journey
The theme for Earth Day 2025 (April 22) is ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’
which urges people across the globe to unite behind renewable
energy and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by
2030. According to researchers, the airline industry is one of the top
contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Having grown
significantly over the past few decades, especially in countries like
India, the aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce
emissions and adopt renewable energy wherever possible.
Industry leaders have echoed the need to incorporate training,
modelling, and stronger government regulations to help achieve
net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Their strong advocacy also
supports organizations like the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association
(IATA), which are playing key roles in setting goals and promoting
sustainable practices.
One of the key proponents of this shift is Jaideep Mirchandani, the
Group Chairman of global aviation major Sky One. On Earth Day, he
shared his insights into how the industry can move toward eco-
friendly solutions without compromising customer satisfaction or
airline operational efficiency.
3. AIR TAXIS
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA) recently introduced rules for setting up
vertical ports, paving the way for air taxis.
Although the rollout will be phased, the
regulatory clarity gives companies the
confidence to begin planning commercial
services across major cities.
In urban areas facing traffic congestion, air taxis
could offer faster connectivity while reducing
emissions from road vehicles. For this to be a
reality, the government will also need to provide
detailed guidelines on infrastructure, operations,
battery charging, parking, and landing to
support smooth execution.
4. Greener Airports
India has already demonstrated leadership through
Cochin International Airport (CIAL) in Kerala, which
became the world’s first fully solar-powered airport in
2015. The airport runs on a 12 MW solar power plant
with more than 46,000 panels, generating close to
250 million units of electricity and preventing over
160,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Inspired by this success, many airports across the
country have adopted solar power. Upcoming
projects such as Navi Mumbai International Airport
are also being designed with sustainability in focus.
Transitioning both existing and new airports into
carbon-neutral facilities will be key to meeting the
sector’s environmental goals.
5. 2
0
2
2
India’s top airlines have placed large aircraft orders with a clear focus on fuel efficiency. Air India, for example, has
ordered 250 aircraft from Airbus, including 210 A320s and 40 A350s. IndiGo’s purchase includes 30 A350s as well. The
A350 family is considered among the most fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft in the world.
Airlines are also acquiring Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are known for their efficient engines and aerodynamic
design. As fleets grow, airlines need to prioritise aircraft that use less fuel, whether for short-haul or long-haul routes.
This will help reduce the environmental footprint while also improving operational cost efficiency.
Fuel-Efficient Aircraft
6. Green Financing
Add a subheadingIndia is expected to become one of the
largest civil aviation markets, with over 2,200 aircraft set to
join its fleet in the next 20 years. The Civil Aviation Ministry
projects that by 2030, India will handle 630 million passengers
annually, with growth continuing at a compound rate of six to
eight per cent.
To support this growth responsibly, aviation players are
exploring sustainability-linked financing. This type of funding
ties financial terms to environmental targets, encouraging
climate-aligned decision-making. While aviation has
traditionally struggled to attract green investment, this is
starting to change. More investors are now recognising the
role of sustainable finance in reshaping the future of flight.
7. Reducing aviation emissions remains challenging, but sustainable aviation fuel is emerging as a practical solution. A
Deloitte report titled ‘Green Wings: India’s SAF Revolution in the Making’ highlights that India accounts for 2.5 per cent of
global Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) demand. With its abundant feedstock and a large share of ATF exports, India is well-
positioned to ramp up SAF production.
However, this opportunity requires a coordinated effort. Policymakers and industry stakeholders must come together to
establish a clear regulatory roadmap, develop secure supply chains, offer financial incentives and create mechanisms for
transparent pricing and certification. These steps can attract investment and scale up SAF adoption.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)