The first flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) have been successfully refuelled in Vietnam, and departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on October 17. Two flights using SAF operated by Vietjet have also departed from Vietnam to Melbourne and Seoul thus far.

Vietjet pioneers sustainable fuel for international flights

“Vietjet and Petrolimex Aviation have successfully conducted the first international flights using SAF being refuelled in Vietnam, clearly demonstrating their commitment to sustainable fuel usage. This is a collective source of pride for the entire industry as we contribute to environmental protection, affirming Vietnam’s role as a responsible member of the global aviation community,” said Dinh Viet Thang, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

Being produced from renewable and sustainable feedstocks as used cooking oil, agricultural by-products, wood biomass, and municipal waste, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to traditional fossil fuels. Meeting strict international aviation standards, it is safely used in commercial flight operations.

“The first-ever refuelling of SAF by Petrolimex Aviation for Vietjet’s international flights marks a significant milestone for Petrolimex Group as a whole as it implements a strategic vision towards 2030, with a long-term outlook to 2045,” said Pham Van Thanh, chairman of the Board of Directors at Vietnam National Petroleum Group.

“This is a key step towards becoming a green, clean, and environmentally friendly energy corporation. We are committed to supporting and enabling Petrolimex Aviation to continue its research, development, and regular supply of SAF, contributing to the greening of the aviation industry for a sustainable future.”

Vietjet remains committed to further reducing carbon emissions in aviation and fostering sustainable growth. With a focus on cost management ability, effective operations, and performance, applying the latest technology to all activities, it offers flying opportunities with cost-saving and flexible fares as well as diversified services to meet customers’ demands.

Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong said, “Vietjet flights using SAF are particularly meaningful, symbolising green flights and eco-friendly air travel, offering passengers a wonderful, environmentally conscious flying experience, especially on international routes.”

Vietjet has partnered with reputable international partners to research, develop, supply, and implement SAF, in line with Vietnam’s commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

SAF is considered the future fuel of aviation. Alongside these initial flights, SAF production costs are expected to decrease further, ensuring its viability for broader commercial use. This achievement continues Vietjet’s long-standing environmental initiatives, which began over a decade ago when the airline had only three aircraft. Vietjet has also pioneered the transition from paper to electronic tickets, utilised online payment methods, and promoted online check-in to reduce paper consumption.

Additionally, the airline uses eco-friendly, recyclable materials onboard, implements fuel-saving programmes, and reduces CO2 emissions from engines. It regularly participates in environmental protection programmes, such as tree planting, ocean clean-ups, and developing eco-friendly urban areas.

“As a sustainable business, Vietjet has continuously optimised resources for environmental protection since its inception. We were the first airline to produce a comprehensive environmental, social, and governance sustainability report and are committed to furthering the use of SAF contributing to Vietnam’s national green growth strategy and net-zero emission targets by 2050,” Phuong said.