Vietnam's Commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Shines at International Summit

On May 6-8, 2026, Vietnam hosted its first International Sustainable Aviation Fuel Summit in Da Nang, demonstrating its commitment to being a leading force in the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This groundbreaking event gathered key government ministries, aviation industry leaders, fuel producers, financial entities, and technology providers to discuss innovative policies and practices for advancing SAF adoption in the region.

The summit saw participation from around 70 organizations, including high-ranking officials from Vietnam’s National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee and various ministries such as Industry and Trade, Finance, Construction, and Science and Technology. The gathering was inaugurated by Ho Quang Buu, the Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee.

As a highlight of the summit, two important Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, marking a significant step forward in Vietnam's SAF initiatives. The first MoU was established with the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition, and Industrial Promotion (IGIP), which operates under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This agreement lays the groundwork for capacity development in SAF, technical knowledge transfer, and policy development support. The second MoU was signed with the Da Nang Innovation and Startup Support Center (DISSC), positioning Da Nang as a hub for SAF innovation through collaborations on events, expert networks, and workforce development.

Fabrice Espinosa, founder and CEO of the Asian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Association (ASAFA), emphasized the potential for Vietnam to build a competitive SAF ecosystem. He stated, "The question is not whether SAF will expand, but where and who will lead its development." ASAFA, established in 2024, has become a leading voice for SAF in the Asia-Pacific region, influencing government policies and promoting SAF acquisition by working with its members from 44 organizations across 17 countries.

Over the years, ASAFA has made significant contributions to regional SAF policies, including the publication of the first regional outlook report on SAF in Asia-Pacific. The association's impact was recognized with the EuroCham Sustainability Award in 2025 and its presence at COP30 in Belém.

The IPS Vietnam 2026 summit is just the first of three global summits scheduled by ASAFA this year, with the next ones taking place in Thailand and Malaysia later in the year. Alongside these summits, ASAFA is set to release three critical documents that will create a Market Structure Committee aimed at harmonizing regional standards and opening the first call for the International Skill Training Academy of the Singapore Defence Forces in September.

As Vietnam takes these bold steps toward SAF integration, the nation aligns itself with global efforts to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation practices. With the government’s backing and collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, Vietnam is poised to play a crucial role in the expanding market of sustainable aviation fuels in the Asia-Pacific region.

In conclusion, the first International SAF Summit in Vietnam represents not just a national commitment but a regional ambition to lead in sustainable aviation. This summit could set the precedent for future developments in aviation fuel technology and sustainability in the region, creating a pathway for innovative solutions in the aviation industry as it embraces greener practices.