Thailand Launches First SAF-Powered Low-Cost Flight Between Bangkok and Phu Quoc

Thailand takes a major step toward sustainable aviation as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) partners with VietJet Thailand and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (PTT OR) to launch the Green Route inaugural flight between Bangkok and Phu Quoc. The milestone marks Thailand’s first low-cost carrier route powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on this international sector, reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to low-carbon tourism and cleaner air travel across ASEAN.

The initiative highlights Thailand’s growing leadership in sustainable tourism while supporting the aviation industry’s transition toward environmentally responsible operations.

TAT Reaffirms Commitment to Low-Carbon Tourism

TAT governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool praised VietJet Thailand for embedding sustainability into its commercial aviation strategy. She stated that the Green Route flight demonstrates how airlines can play a meaningful role in advancing responsible travel while supporting Thailand’s national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

According to Ms. Thapanee, the project represents an important step toward building a low-carbon society and strengthening Thailand’s position as a regional hub for sustainable tourism.

VietJet Thailand Expands Its “Fly Green” Program

Under its “Fly Green” program, VietJet Thailand becomes the first low-cost airline in Thailand to operate regular commercial flights using SAF. The program aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) objective of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The Bangkok–Phu Quoc–Bangkok service is VietJet Thailand’s second Green Route, following the airline’s Bangkok–Da Nang SAF-powered route launched in 2024. Developed in collaboration with PTT OR and Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services (BAFS), the initiative reflects VietJet’s long-term emissions-reduction strategy.

The airline is targeting a five-percent SAF blend across all flights by 2030. Each SAF-powered flight reduces approximately 250 kilograms of CO₂ and cuts up to 80 percent of lifecycle emissions, supporting VietJet Thailand’s goal of lowering more than 153,000 tons of CO₂ within six years.

SAF Production Strengthens Thailand’s Green Potential

Sustainable aviation fuel used on the Green Route is produced from renewable and waste-based materials, including used cooking oil, agricultural residues, and biogas. SAF meets ASTM D7566 international standards and performs identically to conventional Jet A-1 fuel without compromising safety or efficiency.

Thailand holds strong potential to become a regional SAF production hub due to its abundant bio-based resources and expanding circular economy infrastructure. Continued public-private collaboration remains essential to scaling production, improving cost competitiveness, and achieving national and regional carbon-reduction targets.

TAT Advances Sustainable Tourism Nationwide

TAT continues to promote sustainability across the tourism sector through initiatives such as the Thailand Tourism Awards, CF-Hotels, the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR), and the Krabi Prototype project. These programs guide tourism operators toward greener practices while positioning Thailand as a trusted destination for responsible and value-driven travelers.

Vietnam Remains a Key Tourism Market for Thailand

Vietnam continues to rank among Thailand’s most important short-haul source markets, with more than 600,000 Vietnamese visitors expected in 2025. Travelers from Vietnam remain drawn to Thailand’s leisure, wellness, and cultural experiences while exploring emerging destinations.

TAT plans to further strengthen this market through close collaboration with airlines and digital travel platforms, including campaigns such as Thailand Summer Blast and the Krabi Prototype initiative, which promote sustainable routes and certified tourism operators under CF-Hotels and the Thailand Tourism Awards.