Vadodara: Airbus on Wednesday inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for aerospace studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), with a focus on sustainable aviation technologies, including research on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and student-led innovation.The CoE, announced in 2024, is part of Airbus’ long-term collaboration with GSV — India’s industry-driven central university for the transportation and logistics sector — to promote indigenous R&D, innovation and human capital development in aerospace.One of the key research thrusts will be developing technologies to convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into SAF, supporting India’s transition towards greener aviation.The centre was inaugurated by Jürgen Westermeier, president and managing director of Airbus India and South Asia, in the presence of Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad, member of the court of GSV, and Prof Manoj Choudhary, vice chancellor, GSV.Calling the CoE a milestone, Westermeier said it reflected Airbus’ commitment to co-creating a robust aerospace ecosystem in India through R&D and innovation.“The centre will focus on breakthrough technologies such as converting MSW into SAF, while empowering students to lead ecosystem development and support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision,” he said.
