Praj Industries, a global player in bioenergy, technology, and sustainable solutions, successfully demonstrated its Ethanol-to-Jet (EtJ) process using Axens’ Jetanol™ technology at its fully integrated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) demonstration plant at Praj Matrix, the company’s R&D centre. The milestone marks a major step forward in the global transition toward low-carbon aviation fuels.
Announcement Made at Wings India 2026
The milestone was formally announced at Wings India 2026, India’s flagship aviation industry platform. Maneesh Kumar, Joint Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), made the announcement in the presence of Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General, DGCA.
The development was highlighted during a Roundtable on SAF, chaired by Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and attended by key stakeholders from across the SAF ecosystem. Representing the partner companies, Atul Mulay, President – Bioenergy Business, Praj Industries, and Siddharth Saha, Managing Director, Axens India, participated in the session.
Integrated SAF Demo Plant Validates Multiple ATJ Pathways
The Integrated SAF demonstration plant—earlier inaugurated by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri—has now confirmed its technological readiness across multiple Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) pathways.
Following the successful demonstration using bio-isobutanol as feedstock, the facility has now validated bio-ethanol under the EtJ pathway. As a result, Praj has further strengthened the flexibility, robustness, and feedstock versatility of its SAF technology portfolio.
Axens Jetanol™ Technology Enables End-to-End ATJ Process
Axens, a global provider of process technologies, catalysts, and services for cleaner fuels, continues to play a strategic role in advancing SAF through the ATJ route. Under the partnership, Axens has licensed its Jetanol™ Alcohol-to-Jet technology to Praj.
The licensed scope includes key process steps such as dehydration, oligomerisation, and hydrogenation, along with proprietary catalysts and technical support. This collaboration ensures a reliable and market-ready technology foundation for SAF production.
First Fully Integrated ATJ Technology Offering Globally
With this achievement, Praj becomes the first company globally to offer a fully integrated, end-to-end technology and engineering solution for the Alcohol-to-Jet pathway, covering both isobutanol and ethanol feedstocks.
Validated at demonstration scale and now ready for commercial deployment, the solution seamlessly combines Axens’ proven process technology with Praj’s engineering excellence and project execution capabilities. Importantly, the process enables the production of drop-in SAF compliant with ASTM D7566, ensuring full compatibility with existing aircraft engines and aviation infrastructure.
Proven Track Record in SAF Deployment in India
Earlier, Praj demonstrated real-world SAF deployment by supporting India’s first commercial passenger flight powered by SAF-blended aviation turbine fuel. The AirAsia India flight operated from Pune to New Delhi using indigenously produced SAF supplied by Praj in collaboration with Indian Oil, underscoring the company’s ability to translate technology into commercial reality.
Leadership Perspectives on Accelerating SAF Adoption
Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, said the company remains committed to advancing science-led and scalable solutions that support aviation decarbonisation, energy security, and global climate goals. He added that Praj’s integrated ATJ and EtJ solutions position the company to support oil marketing companies and ethanol producers through flexible deployment models, including bolt-on solutions and greenfield projects.
As reported by chinimandi.com, Quentin Debuisschert, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Axens, noted that the successful EtJ demonstration using Jetanol™ technology represents a critical milestone for the SAF value chain. He emphasised that combining Praj’s engineering strengths with Axens’ proven, market-ready technologies will accelerate the deployment of reliable and scalable SAF solutions amid tightening regulatory frameworks.
