Clear policy signals now in force
From 1 January 2026 every litre of Jet A1 sold in Thailand must contain at least one percent sustainable aviation fuel. The Department of Energy Business has issued detailed specifications for three categories of jet fuel covering conventional kerosene, co processing streams and blends that meet ASTM D7566 standards. Early volumes will come from HEFA technology that transforms used cooking oil into renewable hydrocarbons recognised by aircraft manufacturers.
Domestic capacity accelerating
Two early movers are leading the charge. Bangchak Corporation is completing a plant able to produce one million litres a day, while PTT Global Chemical is already supplying commercial volumes from a co processing line. Feedstock collection programs linking restaurants, food factories and waste hauliers are rapidly expanding, turning a disposal cost into a new income stream.
Why starting at one percent matters
A modest target offers a powerful benefit. Refineries, pipeline operators and airports gain a low risk opportunity to test logistics, metering and certification systems before larger percentages arrive. Each data point gathered will improve the accuracy of Thailand greenhouse gas inventory, a detail often overlooked when discussing blend mandates.
Alignment with international momentum
The rule echoes measures in Europe and the United States, giving Thai airlines an advantage ahead of upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization milestones. Financial tools under review such as excise relief and green loans are expected to keep ticket prices competitive even as renewable content grows.
Non-obvious insight
Thailand exports significant quantities of culinary oil. The new domestic demand for used oil enables logistics firms to backhaul waste streams instead of returning empty, thereby improving truck utilisation and cutting overall freight emissions.
Conclusion
By embedding sustainable fuel into routine operations Thailand turns ambition into action. The pragmatic one percent launch point paired with expanding capacity positions the country as a Southeast Asian frontrunner on the journey toward low emission flight.