Bangkok, Thailand: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and eight Thai airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking an important step in guiding Thailand’s aviation industry toward global environmental standards and its carbon-reduction targets, reports Pattaya Mail.
The agreement highlights the aviation sector’s commitment to supporting the International Civil Aviation Organization’s key measures, including the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), in which Thailand is already taking part. It also strengthens the country’s goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050.
The eight airlines that signed the MOU are Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, K-Mile Air, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet Air.
CAAT acknowledged that the higher cost of SAF remains a major challenge. To help address this, it is considering the introduction of a voluntary carbon surcharge on international flights beginning in 2026. The surcharge would reflect the cost of cutting and offsetting emissions in Thailand’s aviation sector, and CAAT said it will ensure transparency and follow international rules while assessing the proposal.
According to CAAT, using SAF will help reduce emissions in accordance with international standards and strengthen Thailand’s ability to compete in a more environmentally focused aviation market, supporting its aim to become a regional leader in green aviation.
