BANGKOK, THAILAND — On July 1, 2025, Bangkok Airways became one of Southeast Asia’s first carriers to integrate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into commercial operations, launching its “Low Carbon Skies” campaign. The airline is blending SAF at 1% with conventional Jet A-1 fuel, reducing CO₂ emissions by an estimated 128 kg per flight, equivalent to a 1-2% emissions cut per trip. This initiative, announced at a press conference in Bangkok, underscores Thailand’s ambition to align with global aviation decarbonization goals, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
The SAF, sourced from regional suppliers using waste-based feedstocks, complies with international standards like CORSIA. Bangkok Airways’ adoption follows a successful trial phase in early 2025, with plans to scale SAF use as production capacity grows. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways, emphasized the strategic importance: “Our Low Carbon Skies campaign is a testament to our commitment to sustainability. By adopting SAF, we’re paving the way for a greener aviation industry in Thailand and beyond.”
Southeast Asia’s aviation market, one of the fastest-growing globally, faces significant hurdles in SAF adoption. SAF costs 2-3 times more than conventional jet fuel, and regional production remains limited, with only 0.1 million tonnes supplied in 2024, per SkyNRG’s 2025 Market Outlook. Thailand, a key tourism hub, has no domestic SAF production facilities, relying on imports from Singapore and Malaysia. Bangkok Airways’ initiative, though modest at a 1% blend, signals a shift toward greener policies, potentially encouraging other regional carriers like Thai Airways or AirAsia to follow suit.
The campaign aligns with global trends. The EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandate requires a 6% SAF blend by 2030, while IATA projects global SAF production to double to 2 million tonnes in 2025, still only 0.7% of aviation fuel demand. Southeast Asia lags behind Europe but shows promise, as seen in recent deals like British Airways’ SAF supply agreement in Hong Kong. Bangkok Airways’ move could catalyze regional investment in SAF infrastructure, leveraging Thailand’s agricultural waste for future production.
“Our Low Carbon Skies campaign is a testament to our commitment to sustainability. By adopting SAF, we’re paving the way for a greener aviation industry in Thailand and beyond.” — Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President, Bangkok Airways.
Stakeholders face challenges. High SAF costs strain airline margins, particularly for low-cost carriers dominant in Southeast Asia. Supply chain constraints and feedstock availability further limit scalability. Bangkok Airways plans to mitigate these by partnering with suppliers to secure long-term SAF contracts and advocating for government incentives, such as Thailand’s proposed SAF tax credits. The airline is also exploring higher SAF blends, pending cost reductions and engine compatibility tests.
For the industry, this initiative offers actionable insights. Airlines can adopt low SAF blends to meet sustainability goals without significant operational changes, while producers should prioritize regional feedstock development to reduce import dependency. Policymakers must introduce subsidies and mandates, similar to Turkey’s recent 5% emissions reduction target, to stimulate demand.
Business Analysis
Bangkok Airways’ SAF adoption, though limited to a 1% blend, is a strategic first-mover advantage in Southeast Asia’s competitive aviation market. It enhances brand reputation among eco-conscious travelers and positions the airline to meet future regional mandates. However, scaling SAF use requires cost mitigation through government support or economies of scale. Stakeholders should monitor Thailand’s policy developments and supplier partnerships for investment opportunities.
Source
TTR Weekly, “Bangkok Airways Embarks on SAF Project,” July 2, 2025.
