AI and sustainable aviation fuel key to greener aviation future: Airbus MD explains

Artificial intelligence and sustainable aviation fuel will define aviation’s next chapter. That is the view of Airbus India and South Asia President and Managing Director Jürgen Westermeier, who says that cleaner fuels and smarter technology must move in parallel if the sector is to meet its climate targets. Speaking to Moneycontrol in an interview published on February 18, Westermeier said India is uniquely positioned to become a global hub for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), citing its large agricultural base and engineering capability. India generates substantial volumes of agricultural residue each year, much of which is burnt in northern states, contributing to severe air pollution in and around Delhi. According to Westermeier, that waste could instead be redirected into fuel production. "If we would be able to make it a business to collect the stubble in the fields rather than burn it, it could be a major step forward," he told Moneycontrol. "Because as long as it is not a business case, it will be hard to stop."

The Economics of Cleaner Flight

His argument is rooted less in environmental idealism than commercial logic. Economics, he suggested, remains the biggest barrier to ending stubble burning and scaling SAF production. Sustainable aviation fuel is widely regarded by the global aviation industry as one of the most practical near-term tools for reducing carbon emissions. It can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft without technical modifications. However, global supply remains limited and production costs are significantly higher than fossil-based alternatives. Westermeier said India holds two critical advantages: abundant feedstock, particularly crop residue, and strong engineering talent capable of building and scaling industrial solutions. The missing piece, he indicated, is a commercially viable model that incentivises farmers to collect agricultural waste and channels investment into refining infrastructure. India’s aviation market is among the fastest-growing globally. As fleet sizes expand and passenger numbers rise, so too will scrutiny over emissions. Industry analysts have long argued that rapid growth in emerging markets must be matched by credible decarbonisation pathways if airlines are to avoid regulatory pressure and rising carbon costs. Beyond fuels, Westermeier placed equal emphasis on digital transformation.

Optimising Performance Through AI

Artificial intelligence, he said, can unlock incremental but meaningful efficiency gains across operations. From predictive maintenance and route optimisation to fuel burn management and resource planning, AI is already embedded within aviation systems. According to Westermeier, the technology should remain human-centric and ethical, acting as an enabler rather than replacing skilled labour. Aviation manufacturers, including Airbus, are increasingly integrating AI-driven tools at the design stage to improve aerodynamics, reduce structural weight and enhance fuel efficiency. Airlines, meanwhile, are deploying data analytics to minimise delays, optimise turnaround times and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. While each gain may appear marginal in isolation, cumulatively they contribute to lower emissions intensity across fleets. The broader industry consensus aligns with that approach. Aircraft powered entirely by hydrogen or electricity remain years, if not decades, away from large-scale commercial deployment. In the interim, SAF offers an immediate emissions reduction lever, while AI provides operational optimisation. For India, the opportunity may extend beyond domestic sustainability goals. If it can establish cost-effective SAF production at scale, the country could emerge as a regional supplier, particularly as global airlines face increasing regulatory pressure to incorporate low-carbon fuels into their operations.

The Missing Link: Market Incentives

The challenge, however, is coordination. Scaling SAF requires alignment between farmers, fuel producers, airlines, technology providers and policymakers. Without stable incentives and long-term clarity, private investment may remain cautious. Westermeier’s assessment reflects a broader industry reality: the technology to cut emissions exists in parts. What remains uncertain is the pace at which commercial frameworks and policy support can close the gap. Cleaner fuel and smarter systems are available. The question is whether the economics will accelerate their adoption quickly enough to keep aviation’s climate commitments within reach.