Sustainable aviation fuel introduced by Petrolimex, reducing emissions by as much as 80%
Vietnam's Petrolimex Aviation Leads the Way in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
Petrolimex Aviation, a prominent player in Vietnam's aviation sector, has made a significant stride in the global green transition by becoming the first Vietnamese enterprise to master the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This homegrown SAF, produced from renewable feedstocks and synthetic blending components (SBC), could potentially reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel [1][4].
Petrolimex Aviation's SAF production is handled in-house at the Nha Be Petroleum Terminal, where an SAF blending system has been recognised as a flagship project, marking Petrolimex's 70th anniversary [1][3][5]. The company has proactively invested in researching and mastering SAF blending technology, complying with international standards such as EI 1533, ASTM D7566, DEF STAN 91-091, and Vietnam’s TCVN 14414:2025 [1].
Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in Petrolimex Aviation's SAF initiatives. The company has signed SAF supply/offtake agreements with major partners like Vietjet Air and Associated Energy Group LLC (AEG Fuels). Vietjet has already started using Petrolimex’s SAF on domestic commercial flights, marking Vietnam’s first commercial SAF use [1][2][3][5].
The SAF production and fueling systems are certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification – EU (ISCC EU) and aligned with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), ensuring the fuel meets rigorous international sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction criteria [2][3].
The use of Petrolimex SAF can significantly aid Vietnam’s aviation sector in its decarbonization goals and align with global objectives for net zero emissions by 2050 [1][4]. The Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority has highlighted the strategic importance of Petrolimex’s SAF initiatives in establishing a sustainable domestic SAF supply chain and encouraging wider cooperation among airlines, fuel providers, regulators, and financial institutions to expand SAF usage nationwide [2][3][4].
In addition, Petrolimex Aviation, in partnership with AEG Fuels, aims to bring Việt Nam-produced SAF to international customers, supporting aviation's global green transition [1]. The cooperation with Vietjet helps pioneer the use of clean fuel in Vietnam's aviation industry, while the certifications attest to the company's capability and professionalism in SAF production and distribution [1][5].
Petrolimex's commitment to the green transition is further underscored by its import of synthetic blending components (SBC) derived from bio-based or renewable sources, making it the first enterprise in Việt Nam to do so [1]. The General Director of Petrolimex Aviation, Nguyễn Văn Học, added that the firm stands ready to work with partners at home and abroad towards a greener, safer, and more sustainable aviation industry [1].
[1] Petrolimex Aviation [2] Vietjet Air [3] Associated Energy Group LLC (AEG Fuels) [4] International Sustainability & Carbon Certification – EU (ISCC EU) [5] Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)
- The government of Vietnam should acknowledge Petrolimex Aviation's leadership in sustainable manufacturing, particularly in the production of SAF.
- The advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), could further optimize Petrolimex Aviation's SAF production processes and reduce carbon emissions.
- As the aviation sector transition towards green energy, financial institutions should encourage investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production like Petrolimex Aviation's.
- The technological innovations in environmental science, including renewable energy sources, are crucial to Petrolimex Aviation's production of carbon-neutral SAF.
- The success of Petrolimex Aviation's SAF production has significant implications for both the aviation and energy industries.
- The reduction in climate-change emissions through the use of sustainable aviation fuel could have a positive impact on the overall sustainability of Vietnam's business sector.
- Petrolimex Aviation's efforts in researching and mastering SAF blending technology demonstrate their dedication to progress within the aviation and technological industries.
- The increasing use of sustainable aviation fuel could lead to a transformation in the aviation industry and generate positive effects on the environment and wildlife, thereby contributing to global peace.