DELHI- Eager to strengthen ties with India, Sweden is seeking collaboration with the country on sustainability solutions in the aviation sector and endeavors related to electrification in the automotive industry.
Additionally, Sweden expresses optimism for the reinstatement of direct flight services with India, as mentioned by Johan Davidson, Sweden’s State Secretary for Infrastructure and Housing.
Sweden Keen to Collaborate with India
In an interview with PTI, Davidson emphasized India’s significance as a crucial partner, being the world’s fastest-growing aviation market.
He commended India’s substantial investments in airports and aviation expansion, expressing keen interest in the country’s growth and the potential for new business opportunities for Swedish companies.
With Sweden holding a prominent position in sustainable aviation, boasting over 80 active companies in the sector, Davidson highlighted their expertise throughout the value chain and their global implementation of solutions.
During his recent visit to India, Davidson conveyed Sweden’s eagerness to collaborate on sustainability in aviation and the electrification of the automotive sector.
He remarked, “We have a lot of good companies that can contribute to the green transition in the Indian aviation sector.”
Eyes New Direct Flights
Responding to a question about air connectivity between India and Sweden, Davidson expressed hope for the establishment of a new direct flight between the two nations.
He highlighted the significant presence of Indians in Sweden, with over 60,000 individuals, most of whom reside in Stockholm. According to Davidson, a direct flight between India and Sweden would be highly sought-after for tourism, business, and increased regular exchanges.
Air India (AI) initiated services to Stockholm in 2017 but discontinued them in 2020.
In the realm of sustainability within the aviation sector, a focal point is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Sweden is open to collaboration with India on this front as well.
Davidson, when asked about Sweden’s interest in being part of India’s transition to SAF when it occurs, stated, “Of course, we are open to that.”
Progress Towards Sustainable Aviation
During a conference organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) last year, participants reached a consensus on a global framework to advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production worldwide.
The goal is to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels used in international aviation by 5 percent by 2030. To achieve this target, approximately 17.5 billion liters of SAF need to be produced.
In December 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projected that SAF production would increase to 1.875 billion liters in 2024.
In a discussion specifically focused on SAF in December, Hemant Mistry, the Director of Net Zero Transition at IATA, highlighted the considerable untapped capacity for feedstock and underscored the significant opportunity for SAF production.
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