New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) The European aerospace giant Airbus has officially launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to aerospace research at the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) located in Vadodara, Gujarat. This facility is set to explore innovative methods for transforming municipal waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

One of the primary objectives of the CoE is to engage in research and development focused on SAF, while also nurturing student-led initiatives that advance future aerospace technology, as stated by the company.

The Centre is designed to bolster India's aerospace landscape through organic research, innovation, and the development of skilled talent.

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya serves as India's premier industry-oriented university tailored for the transportation and logistics sector.

“Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is actualizing an industry-driven and innovation-centric vision aimed at cultivating highly skilled professionals and pioneering technologies for the transportation and logistics domains,” noted Prof. Manoj Choudhary, the Vice Chancellor of GSV.

Choudhary emphasized that the inauguration represents a significant stride toward fulfilling the shared ambition of enhancing the aerospace sector in India, building on previous initiatives such as the establishment of the Airbus Chair Professorship and Airbus Scholarships.

The university has previously implemented full scholarship programs for 45 deserving and underprivileged students, with a third of these scholarships specifically allocated for women.

“This Centre is a testament to Airbus’s dedication to R&D and innovation, concentrating on transformative technologies that convert Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF),” stated Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia.

“This collaboration will equip students with the necessary skills to foster overall ecosystem development,” he further added.

The new partnership underscores India’s commitment to its circular economy objectives, alongside Airbus’ resolve to expedite the decarbonization of one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation sectors.

Airbus plans to provide advanced R&D resources, recruit researchers, and assist with municipal waste collection in collaboration with the Earth Rakshak Foundation.

The local NGO, Earth Rakshak Foundation, will oversee the collection and transportation of municipal solid waste from both urban and rural areas as part of this initiative, as reported by the aircraft manufacturer in November.