Airbus sees region as biofuel for aircraft hub

Thailand to account for 5m tonnes a year

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Airbus is banking on Southeast Asia becoming the world’s top producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), while the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) plans to mandate 1% SAF usage for European routes starting in the fourth quarter.

Julie Kitcher, chief sustainability officer at Airbus, said with SAF key to achieving its net-zero goal by 2050, she is optimistic about Thailand's prospects of becoming a global SAF producer and supplier.

SAE, also known as biofuel for aircraft, is a liquid fuel made of feedstock that can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% across the lifecycle, from production to usage.

It is estimated that roughly 40% of the world’s potential SAF feedstock will come from Asia-Pacific, particularly Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia could produce 26 million tonnes of SAF per year, of which 5 million tonnes would come from Thailand, she said.