Vietnam plans roadmap for sustainable aviation fuel and CORSIA participation
VOV.VN - Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha recently chaired a meeting on policies to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Vietnam’s participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)'s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
He stressed the urgent need to formulate a national roadmap for SAF development and CORSIA implementation, aiming to boost aviation competitiveness while fulfilling greenhouse gas reduction commitments.
In Europe, the use of SAF has been mandated under Regulation 2023/2405 (RefuelEU), requiring all flights to and from EU airports to use at least 2% SAF by 2025, increasing to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 70% by 2050. Non-compliance will result in penalties.
CORSIA aims for net-zero emissions in global aviation by 2050 through the promotion of SAF, technological advancements, and offsetting emissions beyond 2019 levels using carbon credits.
Forecasts indicate that between 2025 and 2030, SAF adoption could add around US$25 million to fuel costs for Vietnam’s aviation industry, about US$4.5–5.5 million per year, highlighting the need for supportive policy mechanisms.
According to Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan, Vietnamese carriers have begun adapting to the EU's SAF requirements for routes to the region and are preparing to join CORSIA in line with ICAO’s roadmap.
In his concluding remarks, Deputy PM Ha stated that joining CORSIA is an inevitable trend, not only a responsibility to the international community but also an opportunity for Vietnam’s aviation sector to enhance capacity and respond to growing technical barriers.
He tasked the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam with completing documentation for submission to the Ministry of Construction and obtaining formal approval for joining CORSIA. He also called for the establishment of a domestic certification body and the development of a qualified laboratory to assess and certify SAF.
The Ministry of Construction was assigned to coordinate with ICAO for technical assistance and training, especially in setting standards and making policies.
also requested the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to work with aviation fuel suppliers to review and upgrade infrastructure for storing, piping, and refueling SAF at major international airports. He urged the development of a legal framework for the carbon market, the implementation of a carbon credit trading mechanism, and studies on possible charges for international flights departing from Vietnam, along with tax and financial support policies to promote the domestic SAF market.
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