Vietnam Aims to Lead Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry at Key Summit in Da Nang

Vietnam recently showcased its ambitions to emerge as a pivotal player in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector during the inaugural international SAF summit held in Da Nang, from May 6 to 8, 2026. This event, organized by the Asia SAF Association (ASAFA), was attended by representatives from around 70 organizations, including high-ranking officials from various ministries, airlines, fuel producers, financiers, and technology providers.

The opening ceremony was led by Ho Quang Buu, Vice Chairman of Da Nang’s People’s Committee, underlining the local government’s support for greener aviation solutions. The summit provided a platform for sharing insights and forging partnerships aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of SAF across the region.

Significantly, two key institutional agreements were signed during the summit which emphasize Vietnam's commitment to building a competitive SAF ecosystem. The first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked with the Ministry of Industry and Trade's agency for innovation, green transformation, and industrial promotion (IGIP). This agreement aims to establish a strategic framework for capacity building in SAF production, facilitate technology transfer, and aid in the development of supportive policy strategies.

The second MoU was signed with the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Centre (DISSC). This partnership positions Da Nang as a hub for SAF innovations through the organization of collaborative events, establishing expert networks, and developing a skilled workforce tailored to the SAF industry.

Fabrice Espinosa, the founder and CEO of ASAFA, noted that Vietnam has the essential elements required to create a robust SAF ecosystem. He stated, “The question is not whether SAF will scale; instead, it is about where and who will take the lead in this initiative.” Since its inception in 2024, ASAFA has established itself as the leading independent voice for SAF in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization is actively involved in shaping SAF policies, advancing the procurement of SAF products and certifications, and has published the inaugural APAC SAF Outlook Report.

Additionally, ASAFA was recognized for its efforts by receiving the 2025 EuroCham Sustainability Award and participated in COP30 in Belém, reinforcing its position as a thought leader in sustainable fuels. The IPS Vietnam 2026 marks only the first of three summits organized by ASAFA for this year, with additional events planned in Thailand and Malaysia later in the year. Beyond these summits, ASAFA will release three insightful publications, establish a committee focused on market structures, and initiate its first batch for the International SAF Professional Training Academy in September.

As the world shifts towards more sustainable energy solutions, Vietnam is poised to play a crucial role in the evolution of the aviation fuel landscape. Collaborations like these set a robust foundation for future advancements and opportunities in SAF, a field critical for achieving global climate goals. The dedication seen at this summit signals a promising future, where Vietnam could very well lead the charge in sustainable aviation practices that align with environmental commitments and economic growth. By nurturing innovation and fostering partnerships, the country stands at the forefront of an industry ripe for transformation.