The first flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) were successfully refueled in Vietnam on Oct. 17 and departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Two flights using SAF operated by Vietjet have departed from Vietnam to Melbourne (Australia) and Seoul (Incheon, South Korea), with the sustainable fuel provided by Petrolimex Aviation.

Being produced from renewable and sustainable feedstocks 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 aviation industry as a whole.

Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, Đinh Viet Thang said, "Vietjet Air and Petrolimex Aviation have successfully conducted the first international flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) being refueled 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."

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam National Petroleum Group, Pham Van Thanh, shared, "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 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."

Vietjet CEO, Đinh Viet Phuong shared, "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 continues Vietjet’s long-standing environmental protection and sustainable development 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, utilized online payment methods, and promoted online check-in to reduce paper consumption. Additionally, the airline uses eco-friendly, recyclable materials onboard, implements fuel-saving programs, and reduces CO2 emissions from engines. Vietjet regularly participates in environmental protection programs, such as tree planting, ocean clean-ups, and developing eco-friendly urban areas.

As a sustainable business, Vietjet has continuously optimized resources for environmental protection since its inception. Vietjet has been the first airline to produce a comprehensive ESG sustainability report and is committed to furthering the use of SAF contributing to Vietnam’s national green growth strategy and net-zero emission targets by 2050.