(Ho Chi Minh City, October 17, 2024) – Vietjet has demonstrated its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting global efforts toward sustainable aviation by operating the first flights using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) fueled in Vietnam.
Two Vietjet flights using SAF successfully departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City this morning, bound for Melbourne (Australia) and Seoul (Incheon Airport, South Korea). The sustainable fuel for these flights was provided by Petrolimex Aviation.
Produced from raw feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural byproducts, wood biomass, and municipal waste, sustainable aviation fuel can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional fossil fuels. Meeting strict international aviation standards, SAF is safely used in commercial flight operations. These inaugural SAF-powered flights represent a major milestone not only for both companies but also for Vietnam’s aviation industry as a whole.
Mr. Dinh Viet Thang, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, said: “Vietjet Air and Petrolimex Aviation have successfully conducted the first international flights using sustainable aviation fuel being fueled 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 and sustainable development, affirming Vietnam’s role as a responsible member of the global aviation community.”
Mr. Pham Van Thanh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam National Petroleum Group, remarked: “The first-ever refueling of SAF by Petrolimex Aviation for Vietjet’s international flights to Australia and South Korea marks a significant milestone not only for Petrolimex Aviation but also for the Petrolimex Group as we implement our strategic vision for the period up to 2030, with a long-term outlook to 2045. This is a key step toward becoming a green, clean, and environmentally friendly energy corporation. Vietnam National Petroleum Group is 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.”
Mr. Dinh Viet Phuong, Vietjet CEO, said: “Today’s Vietjet flights using SAF are particularly meaningful, symbolizing green flights and eco-friendly air travel, offering passengers a wonderful, environmentally conscious flying experience, especially on international routes. As a pioneering airline in the research, development and usage of SAF, Vietjet remains committed to further reducing carbon emissions in aviation and fostering sustainable growth.”
Vietjet has also partnered with reputable international partners to research, develop, supply, and implement SAF, in line with Vietnam’s commitment at COP26 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 extends Vietjet’s decade-long commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, which began when the airline had only three aircraft. Vietjet has pioneered initiatives such as transitioning from paper to electronic tickets, promoting online check-in and payments, and using eco-friendly, recyclable materials onboard. The airline also implements fuel-saving programs and regularly participates in environmental efforts, such as tree planting and ocean clean-ups.
As a sustainable business, Vietjet has consistently optimized resources for environmental protection. It was the first Vietnamese airline to produce a comprehensive ESG sustainability report and is committed to advancing the use of SAF, supporting Vietnam’s green growth strategy and net-zero targets by 2050.
