Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited has introduced the ‘Low Carbon Skies by Bangkok Airways’ initiative, aiming to boost sustainability by curbing carbon emissions from its aviation operations. In collaboration with PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), the airline is spearheading the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on flights connecting Samui and Bangkok. This initiative forms a key part of its broader strategy to enhance sustainability across its managed airports.
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, affirmed the airline’s commitment to becoming a ‘sustainable airline’ through enhanced business practices aligned with the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework. This year’s environmental strategy includes the ‘Low Carbon Skies by Bangkok Airways’ initiative, focused on reducing carbon emissions across all operational areas, particularly in aviation—the sector responsible for a significant portion of CO2 emissions. The airline is dedicated to efficient resource management and the adoption of alternative energy sources.
Notably, Bangkok Airways recently collaborated with OR to pilot Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on a test flight, underscoring its dedication to clean energy and emissions reduction. This initiative supports global efforts towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with goals set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“To reaffirm our status as the best regional airline globally and in Asia, as recognized by Skytrax for seven consecutive years, we are dedicated to continuously improving service quality to ensure that passengers receive exceptional travel experiences. Moreover, Bangkok Airways aims to contribute to the proliferation of green aviation in Thailand and the region. Over the past years, we have implemented several measures to reduce CO2 emissions, such as efficient aviation fuel use, which in 2023 alone reduced CO2 emissions by 11,321 tonnes, or over 200 kilograms per flight. The use of SAF on pilot flights further reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 1,346 kilograms per flight,” added Mr. Puttipong.
Mr. Disathat Panyarachun, Chief Executive Officer of PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), highlighted the collaboration with Bangkok Airways in the ‘Low Carbon Skies by Bangkok Airways’ initiative, focusing on the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to advance the aviation industry towards a cleaner future. SAF, derived from used cooking oil (UCO), shares chemical properties with traditional jet fuel and can be seamlessly blended, reducing carbon emissions without requiring engine modifications. PTT International Trading (PTTT), a subsidiary of PTT, sourced and imported SAF for this inaugural flight.
This partnership supports OR’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly emphasizing environmental sustainability (‘G’ for ‘Green’) to foster a healthier environment and contribute to achieving their 2030 targets.
Mr. Nijapat Piyapant, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Airports at Bangkok Airways, highlighted the airline’s broader sustainability efforts, including the implementation of the ‘Green Airport’ concept across its facilities at Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat airports. Samui Airport, certified with a carbon footprint label by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization, serves as a model for sustainable practices: These initiatives underscore Bangkok Airways’ commitment to environmental leadership and its pivotal role in advancing sustainable aviation practices regionally.
