Generic Hero BannerGeneric Hero Banner
Latest market news

Thai aviation authority, airlines to collaborate on SAF

  • : Biofuels, Emissions
  • 25/11/18

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and eight Thai airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 17 November to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use in the country.

The airlines are Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, K-Mile Air, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air.

The Thai energy ministry's Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (Dede) has set a target of minimum 1pc SAF use by 2026, to rise to 1-2pc over 2027-29, 3-5pc over 2030-32, and 5-8pc over 2033-37. These targets are still in place, Dede confirmed to Argus today. Airlines can decide whether to supply SAF to domestic and/or international flights.

SAF produced via the hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (HEFA) pathway will likely fulfil targets over 2026-29, while a mix of HEFA SAF and SAF produced via the alcohol-to-jet pathway is expected to fulfil targets from 2030 onwards, Dede added.

The MoU signing also emphasised the Thai aviation sector's commitment to supporting key measures from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), including the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia), which Thailand participates in. The MoU will support ICAO's long-term global aspirational goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in international aviation by 2050.

But CAAT recognises the challenges posed by high SAF prices, and is considering a "voluntary cost-segregation approach for international routes", expected to begin in 2026. More details were not provided, but the approach will demonstrate costs associated with reducing and offsetting carbon emissions in the country's aviation sector. CAAT will also "monitor transparency and ensure compliance with international regulations", it said.

The MoU signing was also witnessed by other agencies including Dede, the Department of Energy Business, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, Airports of Thailand, and Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services. Thai refiner PTT and SAF producer Bangchak were also present.


Generic Hero Banner

Business intelligence reports

Get concise, trustworthy and unbiased analysis of the latest trends and developments in oil and energy markets. These reports are specially created for decision makers who don’t have time to track markets day-by-day, minute-by-minute.

Learn more