Photo Credit: Vietjet
Vietjet Thailand has become the first low-cost carrier in Thailand to operate flights using a 1% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as it waits for the delivery of its more fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which has been delayed due to the US government shutdown.
Woranate Laprabang, CEO of Vietjet Thailand, stated that the Bangkok-Phu Quoc flight began using SAF yesterday, with plans to extend its usage to other routes next year, including Bangkok to Cam Ranh and Danang. He highlighted that SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional A-1 jet fuel.
Following standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, the airline aims to use a 5% SAF blend across all routes by 2030, projecting a reduction of 153,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next six years. The airline is also working on a memorandum of understanding with PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc to secure a sustainable fuel supply in the future.
Although SAF currently costs more than twice the price of Jet A-1 fuel, Woranate assured that the increased cost will not significantly affect ticket prices, as only a small 1% blend is used. The airline plans for its entire fleet to transition to Boeing B737-8 aircraft, which are expected to reduce fuel consumption by over 15% compared to the Airbus A320s they currently operate.
The first delivery of these new jets has been postponed four times this year, with recent delays attributed to the US government shutdown—the longest in US history. Woranate mentioned that the airline has been told that the initial two planes are expected to arrive this month, with registration taking 2-3 weeks, making them ready for service before Christmas.
Vietjet anticipates receiving an additional five aircraft in December and two more in January, slightly behind schedule. In 2024, the airline plans to add 13 new planes, followed by over 10 more in 2027, with the goal of reaching a fleet of 50 aircraft by 2028.
In light of the delays, which impacted many passengers on routes such as Bangkok to Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka, Woranate assured that all affected tickets would be fully refunded or rerouted through other Vietjet services. The airline also plans to launch new routes in the coming months, including flights from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat in December, as well as services to Ahmedabad and Kolkata in India, and additional flights to Cam Ranh, Vietnam, in January next year.