The global aviation industry is experiencing a transformative moment as the urgency to decarbonise intensifies. With international targets aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as one of the most critical pathways to reducing the carbon footprint of air travel. In this context, a significant development has taken place in Vietnam, where Petrolimex has introduced SAF to domestic operations. This milestone highlights both technological progress and the commitment of the aviation sector to embrace cleaner alternatives.
The Emergence of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Vietnam
Petrolimex has become the first enterprise in Vietnam to import synthetic blending components derived from renewable or bio-based sources. Through this move, the company has not only introduced SAF into the domestic market but also mastered blending technologies that meet internationally recognised standards such as EI 1533, ASTM D7566, DEF STAN 91-091 and Vietnam’s own TCVN 14414:2025.
This development represents more than a technical achievement. It lays the foundation for a sustainable aviation ecosystem in Vietnam, signalling the readiness of the sector to integrate SAF into daily operations while aligning with global standards.
Reducing Emissions by Up to 80 Percent
One of the most remarkable benefits of SAF is its potential to cut lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel. This figure is not just symbolic; it represents tangible progress toward climate goals. By introducing SAF into commercial operations, Vietnam is aligning itself with international efforts to limit aviation’s environmental impact while maintaining the sector’s role as an economic driver.
Partnerships Driving Adoption
At the official launch in Hanoi, Petrolimex Aviation signed SAF offtake agreements with both Vietjet and Associated Energy Group (AEG Fuels). These partnerships are essential for creating demand and building trust in the new fuel source. For Vietjet, this collaboration translates into a practical way of reducing the emissions of its modern fleet, while for AEG Fuels, it represents an opportunity to connect Vietnam’s SAF supply to international markets.
By working with global and domestic partners, Petrolimex is not just offering a product but helping to establish a value chain that positions Vietnam as an active participant in aviation’s decarbonisation journey.
Technological Milestone at Nha Be Terminal
The SAF blending system installed at the Nha Be Petroleum Terminal stands as a flagship project. It represents a demonstration of how advanced infrastructure and technological expertise can converge to deliver innovative solutions. Recognition of this project during Petrolimex’s 70th anniversary underscores its symbolic importance as a milestone achievement for both the company and the broader aviation community in the country.
Strategic Significance for National Aviation
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the launch of SAF holds significance that extends beyond commercial value. It signals the beginning of a domestic supply chain that is internationally compliant, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders including airlines, fuel providers, and regulatory authorities. This holistic approach ensures that Vietnam is not merely following global trends but actively contributing to the evolution of sustainable aviation practices.
Certification and Global Credibility
Petrolimex Aviation has achieved certifications under ISCC EU and ISCC CORSIA, two of the world’s most respected frameworks for sustainability and carbon reduction. These certifications provide assurance that the SAF being supplied is not only effective but also credible on a global scale. In practice, this means that international carriers and partners can confidently source SAF from Vietnam, integrating it into their sustainability strategies without concerns over compliance or quality.
Vietjet Leading the Way
The agreement with Vietjet to uplift the first 1,200 cubic metres of SAF blended in Vietnam illustrates the willingness of airlines to take a proactive role in emission reduction. Vietjet’s leadership in adopting SAF demonstrates how airlines can align their operational strategies with broader national and global sustainability goals. By doing so, Vietjet is positioning itself as a pioneer in the region’s transition toward cleaner air travel.
Global Expansion Through Strategic Alliances
The partnership with AEG Fuels creates a channel for Vietnam-produced SAF to reach international markets. This move enhances the role of the domestic industry in the global aviation supply chain, while also contributing to the international push for greener skies. By expanding beyond national boundaries, the initiative reflects a vision of interconnected sustainability, where innovation in one country can benefit the broader aviation ecosystem.
A Broader Perspective on Green Transition
The launch of SAF in Vietnam should not be seen as an isolated development but rather as part of a larger shift taking place across the global aviation sector. Countries and companies are racing to align with climate targets, and the availability of SAF is a critical enabler of this transition. For emerging economies, in particular, the ability to participate in and contribute to SAF adoption sends a powerful message of readiness and responsibility.
Subtle Lessons for Stakeholders
The progress made in Vietnam illustrates several valuable lessons for stakeholders across the aviation landscape. First, technological mastery combined with international certification builds confidence and credibility. Second, partnerships between fuel suppliers, airlines, and global distributors accelerate adoption and create stronger ecosystems. Third, investment in infrastructure, such as the SAF blending facility at Nha Be, ensures that commitments to sustainability are backed by tangible capabilities.
For professionals engaged in sustainability, these lessons highlight how collaborative strategies and systemic thinking can drive real progress.
The Role of Independent Expertise
Behind every transition to cleaner fuels lies the need for expertise in sustainability assessments, compliance with international standards, and long-term planning. Independent sustainability consultants and advisory firms play a crucial role in guiding such transitions. By helping organisations evaluate their carbon reduction potential, navigate evolving regulations, and optimise their green strategies, they act as a bridge between ambition and execution.
Conclusion
The introduction of sustainable aviation fuel in Vietnam is more than a milestone for one company. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in aviation, where emissions reductions, global collaboration, and technological innovation converge. With SAF reducing emissions by up to 80 percent, Vietnam is sending a clear signal that it is committed to being part of aviation’s global green transition.
The road to net zero will be long and complex, but developments such as this demonstrate what is possible when ambition meets action. As more stakeholders across the aviation sector embrace SAF and strengthen partnerships, the vision of cleaner skies and a sustainable future becomes increasingly achievable.
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