Taviroj Songkumpol, Chief of Corporate Strategy at Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), and Suchat Ramarch, President of PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for pilot flights and future endeavors, reported Travel Daily Media.
The signing ceremony took place at the Multiverse Meeting Room, Energy Complex, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, with Songpon Thepnumsommanus, Senior Executive Vice President of Energy Solutions Business at OR, and Rut Rugsumruad, THAI Director of Corporate Finance, as witnesses.
THAI aims to operate flights using SAF, a lower carbon emission fuel compared to conventional fossil fuels, to support research and production of SAF within the concerned organizations. SAF, derived from processes involving used cooking oil, sugarcane ethanol, and waste, releases 80 percent less carbon dioxide throughout its life cycle compared to regular aviation fuel. The compatibility of SAF with Jet A1 fuel, without requiring engine conversion, contributes to its widespread adoption.
THAI is committed to achieving the 2050 net zero emission goal in line with international regulations, including those of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the European Union.
Suchat highlighted that the collaboration between OR and Thai Airways signifies the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the aviation industry for pilot flights. An official launch event is scheduled for December at Phuket Airport. This initiative aligns with OR’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly focusing on “GREEN” initiatives to ensure a healthy environment and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
OR has been actively involved in the study, development, and investment in SAF, as demonstrated by the MOU signed with the PTT Group, PTT Public Company Limited, Thai Oil Public Company Limited, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, and IRPC Public Company Limited on November 9, 2022. This commitment underscores OR’s role in the energy transition, emphasizing the use of biofuels over fossil fuels, promoting sustainability, and contributing to the Net Zero goal by 2050.
