First In India | SpiceJet Operates Bio-fuel-powered flight from Dehradun to Delhi

SpiceJet operates India's first bio-fuel-powered flight from Dehradun to Delhi marking a new chapter in the fast-growing domestic aviation sector

The nearly 45-minute flight was operated with a Bombardier Q400 aircraft, partially powered by bio-jet fuel made from Jatropha plant.

With the test flight, India has become one of the few countries and probably the first among the developing nations to use bio-fuel for flying planes.

For the test flight, which carried 28 people, including 5 crew members, the aircraft's right engine was filled with 75% aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and 25% of bio-jet fuel.

With the success, India has joined an elite club of nations including USA and Australia who use bio-fuel for commercial flights.

The 450 liters of bio-jet fuel used was developed by using oil extracted from the seeds of the Jatropha plant which was supplied to IIP by the Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority (CBDA). The CBDA had procured the supply from 500 families of Chhattisgarh-based farmers.

While bio-jet fuel enhances fuel efficiency, it is more expensive than ATF. However, mass production of bio-jet fuel would help reduce the cost.

This is a huge step towards encouraging sustainable and alternative fuels for transportation and aviation sector.