On August 15, Petrolimex and Petrolimex Aviation announced the official availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Nha Be Petroleum Depot in Ho Chi Minh City. At the same event, they signed a cooperation agreement on SAF consumption with Vietjet Aviation and Associated Energy Group LLC. The initiative is part of Petrolimex’s 70th anniversary celebrations and marks a milestone in Vietnam’s green aviation journey.

SAF is widely regarded as the most effective solution for reducing carbon emissions in aviation, helping the industry progress toward the global net-zero target by 2050. Petrolimex is the first company in Vietnam to import synthetic blending components (SBC) from renewable resources and to master SAF blending technology in line with international standards such as EI 1533, ASTM D7566, DEF STAN 91-091, and Vietnam’s TCVN 14414:2025.

Petrolimex Aviation has already supplied SAF to domestic commercial flights, demonstrating the practicality and readiness of green fuel in the Vietnamese market. Recognized as a flagship project for Petrolimex’s anniversary, the SAF blending system at Nha Be represents a significant step forward for sustainable aviation in Southeast Asia.

The European aviation and fuel industries have issued a unified call for the European Union to adopt seven critical measures to accelerate the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming to reduce reliance on imports and advance the aviation sector’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

These measures address the pressing challenges of high costs, raw material shortages, and technological barriers, ensuring Europe remains competitive in the global low-carbon aviation transition.

First, the industry urges the EU to provide robust financial incentives, including tax breaks and subsidies, to close the significant price gap between SAF and conventional jet fuel, which currently costs several times more.

Second, it advocates for a unified regulatory framework to streamline SAF production and certification processes, fostering cross-border collaboration.

Third, the industry emphasizes increased funding for SAF feedstock research, such as waste oils, agricultural residues, and synthetic fuel technologies, to address potential raw material shortages post-2030.

Fourth, it calls for expanded infrastructure investments to support the retrofitting of existing refineries and the construction of new SAF production facilities.

Fifth, the industry seeks long-term policy commitments to boost investor confidence and attract more private capital.

Sixth, it proposes working with airlines to develop a phased plan for mandatory SAF blending ratios, aligning with the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation’s target of 6% SAF usage by 2030.

Finally, the industry stresses the need for enhanced international cooperation to prevent Europe from becoming dependent on SAF imports from the U.S. or Asia due to high costs and production constraints.

These measures underscore the European aviation sector’s focus on energy security and its strategic positioning in the SAF industry. The industry warns that without strong policy support, Europe risks falling behind in the global SAF market, jeopardSJ undermining its climate goals and economic interests. While the EU has implemented some measures, such as Denmark’s €36 million SAF aid scheme, the industry insists that broader, coordinated action is essential.

Cathay Group announced on August 13 that it has entered into a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership with DHL Express to reinforce their shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the air cargo sector.

Under the agreement, Cathay Pacific will supply DHL Express with 2,400 metric tonnes of SAF for international flights departing from three Asian airports: Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, and Singapore Changi. These flights are operated by Cathay Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Air Hong Kong, which primarily provides express cargo services for DHL Express.

The partnership is expected to cut approximately 7,190 tonnes of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, equivalent to the emissions from over 100 Airbus A330 freighter flights between Hong Kong and Singapore. DHL Express Asia Pacific Senior Vice President Peter Bardens noted that SAF currently accounts for less than 1% of global aviation fuel use, yet air transport is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed that this collaboration is a key step in building a stronger SAF ecosystem in Asia and aligns with DHL’s “Strategy 2030” goal of making green logistics a core priority.

This deal builds on the long-standing cooperation between DHL Express and Cathay Group. Cathay sees the initiative as a milestone, marking the first use of SAF on Air Hong Kong flights, and part of its wider strategy to expand SAF adoption across its network. DHL Express, a global leader in SAF deployment, has also signed long-term agreements with suppliers including Neste, BP, and World Energy, further strengthening regional SAF demand and supply.

Indonesia’s PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (KPI) Cilacap Refinery, in collaboration with the Lemigas laboratory, has completed a series of quality standard tests and officially carried out the first shipment of Pertamina Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) made from a blend of used cooking oil (UCO).

KPI President Director Taufik Adityawarman stated that this is not only a proud moment for Pertamina but also for the entire nation. The SAF will be used for a mid-August Jakarta–Denpasar flight operated by Pelita Air Services, with approximately 32,000 liters supplied from the Cilacap refinery.

He emphasized that the Cilacap Green Refinery Project is a strategic step in Indonesia’s energy transition, capable of reducing carbon emissions by up to 84% compared to fossil-based jet fuel, in line with the government’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2060 or earlier. All airlines using Pertamina SAF will receive ISCC CORSIA sustainability certification, confirming the entire supply chain meets international sustainability standards verified by independent auditors.

The UCO feedstock underwent comprehensive testing and was processed in the refinery’s Treated Distillate Hydrotreating (TDHT) unit using co-processing technology and domestically produced catalysts. Pertamina SAF meets ASTM D1655 and DefStan 91-091 international standards, making it the first ISCC CORSIA-certified SAF product in Indonesia and a pioneer in Southeast Asia.

Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat refinery, which converts waste cooking oil (uco) into jet-grade fuel, has become India’s first certified sustainable aviation fuel production facility, according to India’s Ministry of Infrastructure.

Switzerland-based Cotecna Inspection Group, through its Indian subsidiary Cotecna Inspection India Private Limited, reportedly issued the certification.

The move is in line with the objectives of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). India aims to achieve a 1% SAF mix on all international flights by 2027, rising to 2% thereafter.

On August 1, renewable fuel producer EcoCeres Inc. announced a partnership with Xiamen Airlines to jointly promote the localized collection and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The two parties will leverage EcoCeres’ existing supply chain network to collect used cooking oil (UCO) from selected restaurant partners and transport it to EcoCeres’ production facilities, where it will be processed into high-quality SAF.

The collaboration aims to advance the circular economy concept of “turning waste into energy” by transforming used cooking oil into aviation fuel—effectively improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental pollution. According to EcoCeres, SAF produced from waste oil can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil-based jet fuel, making it a significant step toward decarbonizing the aviation industry.

In addition, the project strengthens the localized and sustainable supply chain for aviation fuel, contributing to a more resilient green aviation ecosystem. EcoCeres CEO Matti Lievonen stated, “Partnering with Xiamen Airlines enables us to scale up the production of SAF from waste materials more rapidly and further support the aviation industry’s transition toward net-zero emissions.”

This partnership not only reflects the integration of environmental innovation and aviation but also offers a replicable and scalable model for the future development of the SAF industry in China.

According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s Department of Energy Business recently announced that the country plans to officially release its first national standard for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) next year, aiming to accelerate the aviation industry’s carbon reduction efforts.

Sarawut Kaewtathip, Director-General of the Department, stated that the draft is being developed with reference to the “ASTM D7566” standard established by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials). This globally adopted standard ensures that SAF, when blended with conventional jet fuel, meets the necessary quality and safety requirements for commercial aviation.

Sarawut added that the drafting is expected to be completed by September, followed by a two-week public consultation period. During this time, public hearings will be organized to gather feedback from industry stakeholders and the general public.

XCF Global has unveiled a strategic plan to invest nearly $1 billion (€860 million) over the next three years to build a network of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facilities. This move aims to expand its U.S. operations and accelerate international growth. Since its inception, the company has invested over $350 million (€300 million) in the New Rise Reno project, which has created around 60 full-time jobs in the Reno-Tahoe region. With over 2 billion people now living in countries that mandate SAF use or offer strong incentives, and that number expected to double by 2030, XCF is positioning itself to meet the growing global demand. CEO Mihir Dange emphasized, “We’re not just dreaming of decarbonizing aviation—we’re making it happen.”

On July 28, the European Commission approved a €36 million ($41.07 million) Danish state aid scheme aimed at promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on domestic routes. This is the first time the Commission has authorized a state aid scheme specifically to encourage SAF usage in aviation.

The scheme is designed to support at least one domestic air route in Denmark using 40% SAF. Airlines will receive monthly direct grants to cover the additional costs of SAF compared to conventional jet fuel, including related airport infrastructure expenses.

Aid amounts will be determined through a competitive bidding process. The program will support at least 20 commercial one-way SAF-powered flights per week on one or more domestic routes.

To prevent double funding, the scheme explicitly excludes SAF that is already subsidized by Denmark, other EU member states, or non-EU countries. It also ensures that SAF supported under this scheme does not receive overlapping support under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation or the EU Emissions Trading System directive.

The aid scheme will remain in effect until the end of 2027. It marks a significant step toward Denmark’s green transition in aviation and serves as a potential model for other EU countries to follow.