Brian Jeffrey
Vietnam Airlines Embraces Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Vietnam Airlines, the national airline of Vietnam, has become the first in the nation to implement sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on all its flights departing from Europe.
As of January 1, all flights from European airports operated by the airline will incorporate at least 2% SAF, with plans to gradually increase this to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 70% by 2050.
The airline will apply a similar approach for its UK flights, commencing in 2025. These flights will start with a SAF blend of 2%, rising to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040.
This move highlights Vietnam Airlines’ leadership in promoting sustainable aviation, reflecting Vietnam’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
A Vietnam Airlines representative shared that this transition not only improves passenger experience but also offers significant environmental advantages. The use of SAF underscores the airline’s dedication to fostering a sustainable future in aviation.
The airline marked a significant achievement by operating its first commercial flight powered by SAF on May 27, 2024, from Singapore to Hanoi (flight VN660), establishing itself as the first Vietnamese airline to utilize SAF for passenger flights.
Despite its benefits, SAF is notably more expensive than traditional jet fuel, costing two to six times more. This transition is expected to increase the airline’s annual operating expenses for European routes by around USD 4.8 million.
Alongside the SAF initiative, Vietnam Airlines is taking additional steps to lower CO2 emissions, including:
- Operating a fleet of modern aircraft.
- Optimizing flight paths and schedules for better fuel efficiency.
- Employing advanced technology to monitor fuel consumption and emissions.
In 2024, these initiatives are anticipated to reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 70,000 tons.
Looking forward, Vietnam Airlines plans to expand its SAF usage by collaborating with suppliers throughout the supply chain. The airline is also committed to implementing broader sustainability solutions to further its efforts towards a carbon-neutral future.
