Airlines want to use sustainable fuel more often, but price and other factors must be addressed first, photo Le Toan

On October 17, Vietjet became the second airline in Vietnam to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), operating flights from Vietnam to Melbourne and Seoul.

Dinh Viet Phuong, CEO of Vietjet, emphasised the importance of these flights, describing them as “green flights” that contribute to the greening of the aviation sector. “As a pioneer in the research, development, and use of SAF, Vietjet is committed to reducing carbon emissions and supporting the sustainable development of the aviation industry,” he said.

SAF, produced from renewable and sustainably sourced raw materials such as used cooking oil, agricultural by-products, wood biomass, and urban waste, offers significant environmental benefits. It can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to traditional jet fuels. SAF meets strict international aviation standards and is safe for use in commercial operations.

Despite its higher costs, Vietnamese airlines are making strides in adopting SAF. In May, Vietnam Airlines became the first carrier in the country to use it, deploying on a flight from Singapore to Hanoi. Bamboo Airways is also exploring SAF adoption.

SAF in Vietnam is currently supplied by Petrolimex, while international companies such as Boeing are exploring the potential for broader supply in the country.

Pham Van Thanh, chairman of Petrolimex, hailed the use of SAF for Vietjet’s international flights as an important step forward. “This milestone is not just for Petrolimex Aviation but for the entire group as we move towards becoming a green, clean, and environmentally friendly energy group by 2030,” Thanh said.

Petrolimex Aviation, Vietjet, and Vietnam Airlines are also collaborating with international partners to advance the use of SAF in Vietnam, aligning with the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. For example, Vietnam Airlines’ SAF refuelling in May was handled by oil refining company Neste.

Carrie Song, senior vice president of commercial operations at Neste, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with Vietnam Airlines.

“The aviation industry is committed to ambitious climate targets, and SAF plays a crucial role in reaching those goals. We are excited to support Vietnam Airlines on its decarbonisation journey,” Song said.

Boeing is also looking to scale up SAF production globally and has been working with local partners and governments to research raw material sources that can support SAF production.

Sharmine Tan, Boeing’s regional sustainability lead for Southeast Asia, highlighted the potential in the region. “With regional governments and industries working together, Southeast Asia has an exciting opportunity to shape a more sustainable future of flight while protecting the environment and growing the economy,” Tan said.

The adoption of SAF by Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines comes as the EU intensifies its push for carbon neutrality by 2050. It mandates that in 2025, 2 per cent of the aviation fuel used at EU airports must be SAF, increasing to 70 per cent by 2050.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, these regulations will significantly impact airlines operating between the EU and ASEAN. The cost of SAF is currently 2-3 times higher than traditional fossil fuels, and in some cases, it has been as much as six times higher. This price disparity presents a challenge for airlines, which will likely face increased operational costs and ticket prices.

Recognising these challenges, the Vietnamese government has tasked the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry and Trade with studying the potential impacts of the EU regulations. The aim is to develop solutions that will enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese airlines while ensuring compliance with international sustainability standards.

Aviation expert Ngo Nguyen stressed the importance of a strategic approach to SAF. “Airlines need to ensure operational efficiency while managing rising costs, and they also need government support to adapt to new regulations. Developing local SAF production could be a crucial step in reducing fuel prices,” Ngo said.

Vietnam is considered to have significant potential for SAF production, with raw materials such as rice husks and rice straw being viable options. It is estimated that the country generates around 7.5 million tonnes of rice husks annually, of which only three million tonnes are currently used, mainly for animal feed and fertiliser.

Globally, many airlines are advancing their efforts. British airline Virgin Atlantic successfully completed the world’s first 100 per cent SAF flight last year, while Air France uses a 50 per cent blend of SAF on its flights. Singapore has been using SAF since 2017 and continues to incorporate it into its aviation fuel mix.

According to the International Air Transport Association, which represents 320 airlines accounting for over 80 per cent of global air traffic, the aviation industry is firmly committed to reducing emissions to zero. However, despite this commitment, SAF still accounts for only 0.2 per cent of total aviation fuel consumption due to supply limitations and high production costs.