The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has categorically denied reports suggesting that the central government is planning to blend ethanol into aviation fuel. It clarified that such reports are entirely baseless and are being propagated irresponsibly. The Centre issued this clarification in response to remarks made by Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu clarified that the government has no proposal whatsoever to blend ethanol into the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) used in commercial aircraft. “The claim that the government is planning to blend ethanol into aviation fuel is completely false and irresponsible. There is no such proposal,” the Minister stated. He advised the public not to believe the rumors linking ethanol to aviation fuel.
The Minister clarified that ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are not the same; they are entirely different types of fuel. He noted that SAF is an internationally recognized aviation fuel approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He explained that numerous airlines and aviation regulatory bodies across the globe are already promoting the use of SAF. Unlike ethanol, SAF is a fuel specifically developed for aircraft and undergoes rigorous testing before being approved for commercial use. The Minister stated that all aviation fuels must strictly adhere to rigorous international safety standards. He noted that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is approved for use only after undergoing extensive testing. He emphasized that aviation safety is maintained based on globally established standards and that all fuels used by airlines must comply with these norms.
The Union Minister urged people not to believe misinformation regarding aviation safety, noting that such false information causes unnecessary anxiety among passengers. He reiterated that passenger safety is the government’s top priority and clarified that every decision concerning aviation fuel is based on international safety standards and scientific evaluation.
