Using 10 pc biofuel for first time, IAF’s AN-32 aircraft conducts flight ops at Leh

In a first, an IAF AN-32 aircraft powered with 10 per cent blend of Indian bio-fuel conducted flight operations at one of the highest airports in the world in Leh’s Kushok, according to an official statement.

Bio-jet fuel is produced from non-edible “tree borne oils”, grown and procured from the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, it said.

IAF’s efforts would assist in reducing carbon footprint and India’s dependence on crude imports, the statement said.

“On 31 January, 2020… an AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, powered with a 10 per cent blend of Indian bio-jet fuel took-off from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh,” it said.