Vietnam Airlines, the flag carrier airline of Vietnam, has operated its first flight using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. A Vietnam Airlines Airbus A321 was refueled with blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Changi Airport in Singapore for its return flight to Hanoi, Vietnam on May 27, 2024.

This milestone marks Vietnam Airlines as the first airline in Vietnam's history to utilize sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for commercial passenger flights. Additionally, the airline became the first visiting carrier from the Asia-Pacific region to benefit from Neste’s SAF supply capabilities at Singapore Changi Airport. Neste produced the SAF at its Singapore refinery and after blending the SAF with conventional jet fuel, the fuel blend was supplied to Vietnam Airlines using Neste’s integrated supply chain into the Changi Airport.

"Vietnam Airlines believes that the use of SAF will help create a more sustainable future for the aviation industry, providing passengers with both excellent service quality and environmental friendliness. We are collaborating with our partners in the supply chain to expand the use of SAF in the future, thereby contributing to the successful achievement of goals related to net-zero emissions and climate change prevention," said Nguyen Chien Thang, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines.

“We are excited that Vietnam Airlines chose our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel for its first flight with SAF. The aviation industry is committed to ambitious climate targets, and sustainable aviation fuel plays a crucial role in reaching those goals. As the world’s leading producer of SAF, Neste is fully committed to supporting customers such as Vietnam Airlines on their decarbonization journey, and we look forward to expanding our cooperation,” said Carrie Song, Senior Vice President Commercial from the Renewable Products business at Neste.

Vietnam Airlines’ flight with Neste-produced sustainable aviation fuel demonstrates Neste’s ongoing commitment to supporting airlines on their journey to reduce aviation-related emissions and to raise awareness of SAF as a key lever to reduce air travel emissions.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Sustainable aviation fuel is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to using conventional jet fuel. Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel before use and works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.