Bangkok Airways has started using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on its commercial flights, making it the first airline in Thailand to do so. On July 1, 2025, the airline began blending SAF with regular jet fuel on select international routes from Suvarnabhumi Airport. This move is part of a larger plan to cut carbon emissions and help Thailand reach its climate goals.
A New Chapter for Green Aviation in Thailand
On July 1, 2025, Bangkok Airways officially launched the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on its commercial flights. The airline now blends SAF at a 1% ratio with 99% regular Jet A-1 fuel. This change means each flight using the blend cuts about 128 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The first routes to benefit from this green fuel are international flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, and the Maldives.
This step follows a successful test flight in June 2024, when the airline used SAF between Samui and Bangkok. After proving the process worked, Bangkok Airways decided to make SAF a regular part of its operations.
Why Bangkok Airways Chose SAF
Bangkok Airways wants to be a leader in green aviation. Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the airline’s president, called the move a “significant milestone” in the company’s journey to a cleaner future. He explained that using SAF is a key part of the airline’s plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions.
Dechit Chareonwong, Senior Executive Vice President of Operations, said the SAF project helps push Thailand’s aviation industry onto a greener path. He believes this partnership will inspire other airlines in the region to follow suit.
Who Makes the SAF and How Is It Used?
PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) supplies the SAF, while PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) produces it. The SAF is made in Thailand using a process called co-processing technology. This method blends bio-based materials with regular refinery streams, creating a fuel that meets international safety and performance standards.
Here’s how the process works:
- SAF Production: PTT Global Chemical uses co-processing technology to make SAF from bio-based feedstocks.
- Fuel Blending: The SAF is mixed at a 1% ratio with Jet A-1 fuel.
- Flight Operations: The blended fuel is supplied to Bangkok Airways flights leaving Suvarnabhumi Airport for select international destinations.
- Emission Reduction: Each flight using the blend cuts about 128 kg of CO₂ emissions.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The airline also runs projects like “Love Earth, Save Earth,” which supports ecosystem restoration on Koh Samui.
How Does SAF Help the Environment?
SAF is made from renewable sources like plants or waste materials. When burned, it releases less CO₂ than regular jet fuel. By using SAF, Bangkok Airways helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the air. This supports both the airline’s and Thailand’s goals for a cleaner environment.
The airline’s “Low Carbon Skies by Bangkok Airways” campaign aims to cut emissions across all its operations. This move also matches the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) target for airlines to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Thailand itself has set a national goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.
Successful test flight using SAF
Official launch of SAF use on commercial flights
First routes using SAF from Suvarnabhumi Airport
IATA’s target for carbon neutrality for airlines
Thailand’s target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions
What Does This Mean for Passengers and the Public?
Passengers flying on Bangkok Airways’ SAF-powered routes can feel good knowing their travel has a smaller carbon footprint. The airline also encourages passengers and partners to join in its environmental efforts. For example, the “Love Earth, Save Earth” project invites people to help restore natural habitats on Koh Samui.
Bangkok Airways is committed to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles. This means the airline works to manage climate change, reduce waste, and use resources more efficiently. These efforts help build trust with travelers who care about the environment.
Industry and Expert Reactions
Industry analysts say Bangkok Airways’ move is a big step for Southeast Asian aviation. It shows that making and using SAF in Thailand is possible on a large scale. This could encourage other airlines and airports in the region to start using SAF as well.
PTT Oil and Retail (OR) sees the partnership as a model for future SAF adoption in Thailand. The company believes this is a key part of the country’s shift to clean energy.
What’s Next for SAF in Thailand?
Bangkok Airways plans to expand SAF use to more routes as production increases and rules change. The airline also hopes to raise the SAF blending ratio in the future. This means even more flights will use a higher percentage of green fuel, cutting emissions further.
The partnership between Bangkok Airways, PTT Oil and Retail, and PTT Global Chemical will continue. They plan to:
- Scale up SAF production
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Develop new sustainability projects
As more airlines and airports join the effort, Thailand’s aviation sector could become a leader in green travel across Asia.
How Does This Affect Immigration and International Travel?
For travelers coming to or leaving Thailand, the use of SAF by Bangkok Airways means flights are becoming more eco-friendly. This is important as more countries and travelers look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Airlines that use SAF may become more attractive to international passengers who care about the environment.
Airports like Suvarnabhumi Airport, which support SAF operations, could see more demand from airlines wanting to offer green flights. This could lead to more international connections and help Thailand stay competitive as a travel hub.
Government Support and Policy Context
The Thai government supports the move to SAF as part of its national climate goals. By producing SAF domestically for the first time, Thailand is showing it can be a leader in green aviation. The government’s support helps make it easier for airlines to use SAF and for producers to scale up production.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a target for airlines worldwide to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Thailand’s own goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. Bangkok Airways’ SAF initiative fits well with both of these targets.
For more information on Thailand’s climate and energy policies, readers can visit the Ministry of Energy of Thailand’s official website.
Key Numbers and Facts
- SAF blend: 1% SAF, 99% Jet A-1
- CO₂ reduction per flight: About 128 kg
- Start date: July 1, 2025
- Initial routes: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Maldives
- Thailand’s net-zero target: 2065
- IATA carbon neutrality target: 2050
Challenges and Opportunities
While the current SAF blend is only 1%, it’s a start. Producing SAF is still more expensive than regular jet fuel, and making enough to supply all flights will take time. However, as technology improves and more companies invest in SAF, costs are expected to come down.
Bangkok Airways’ early adoption of SAF puts it ahead of many competitors. As more travelers and governments demand greener options, airlines that use SAF will likely have an advantage.
Voices from the Industry
Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways, said, “The official use of SAF is a significant milestone in our transition toward a more environmentally friendly future.” He added that this step aligns with the airline’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Dechit Chareonwong, Senior Executive Vice President of Operations, said, “This partnership elevates Thailand’s aviation industry toward a green flight path.” He believes the move will inspire others in the region to follow.
A spokesperson from PTT Oil and Retail (OR) said the partnership is a model for future SAF adoption in Thailand and a key part of the country’s clean energy transition.
Industry analysts agree that this is a pivotal step for Southeast Asian aviation. They say it proves that domestic SAF production and use at scale is possible.
What Can Passengers and Partners Do?
Bangkok Airways encourages passengers to support its green initiatives. Travelers can:
- Choose flights that use SAF when possible
- Take part in environmental projects like “Love Earth, Save Earth”
- Learn more about the airline’s sustainability efforts on its official website
Partners and suppliers can also help by:
- Supporting the airline’s ESG goals
- Working together to find new ways to cut emissions
- Sharing best practices for green aviation
Looking Ahead: The Future of Green Flights
Bangkok Airways plans to keep expanding its use of SAF. As domestic production grows and rules change, more flights will use higher blends of SAF. This will help the airline and Thailand move closer to their climate goals.
The airline’s partnership with PTT Oil and Retail and PTT Global Chemical will focus on:
- Making more SAF in Thailand
- Improving how fuel is used on flights
- Creating new projects to protect the environment
As more airlines and airports join the effort, Thailand could become a leader in green aviation across Asia.
Practical Steps for Other Airlines and Airports
Other airlines looking to follow Bangkok Airways’ example can:
- Partner with local fuel producers to source SAF
- Start with small SAF blends and increase over time
- Work with airports like Suvarnabhumi Airport to set up SAF supply chains
- Educate passengers about the benefits of SAF
Airports can help by:
- Providing the infrastructure needed to store and blend SAF
- Working with airlines and fuel suppliers to support green flights
- Promoting their role as green travel hubs
How to Stay Informed
For the latest updates on SAF initiatives and sustainability policies, readers can:
- Visit the Bangkok Airways press release section
- Contact Bangkok Airways customer service at +66 (0)2 270 6699
Conclusion: A Greener Future for Thai Aviation
Bangkok Airways’ use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel marks a turning point for Thailand’s aviation industry. By starting with a 1% blend on key international routes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the airline is showing that green flights are possible today. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move positions Bangkok Airways as a regional leader in sustainable aviation and sets an example for others to follow.
With strong support from government, industry partners, and the public, Thailand is on track to become a leader in green air travel. As more airlines and airports join the effort, travelers can look forward to a future where flying is not only convenient but also better for the planet.
Learn Today
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) → A renewable jet fuel made from bio-based materials, reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to regular jet fuel.
Suvarnabhumi Airport → International airport in Bangkok serving as the hub for Bangkok Airways’ SAF-powered flights.
Co-processing Technology → A method blending bio-based feedstocks with refinery streams to produce sustainable aviation fuel safely and efficiently.
CO₂ Emissions → Carbon dioxide output from aircraft fuel combustion, a major contributor to climate change pollution.
Net-zero Carbon Emissions → Balancing emitted carbon with removal efforts to achieve no net increase in atmospheric CO₂.
This Article in a Nutshell
Bangkok Airways pioneers sustainable aviation by blending 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel on select international routes since July 2025, reducing significant CO₂ emissions and supporting Thailand’s climate goals amid growing regional green aviation efforts.
— By VisaVerge.com
