Vietnam has hosted its first international summit focused on sustainable aviation fuel, bringing together policymakers, airlines, fuel producers and technology companies in Da Nang as Asia Pacific aviation stakeholders accelerate efforts to develop cleaner aviation fuel supply chains.
The three-day Asia SAF Association Innovation & Policy Summit Vietnam 2026, held from May 6 to 8, drew participation from around 70 organisations, according to reporting by Asian Aviation. The event highlighted growing regional interest in scaling sustainable aviation fuel production amid mounting pressure on the aviation industry to reduce carbon emissions.
The summit also marked a strategic step for Vietnam as it seeks to position itself within the emerging regional SAF ecosystem.
During the event, the Asia SAF Association (ASAFA) signed two agreements with Vietnamese government-linked organisations aimed at strengthening the country’s sustainable aviation fuel capabilities.
The agreements include:
According to summit organisers, the first agreement will focus on:
The second agreement aims to develop Da Nang into a regional centre for SAF innovation through:
The summit reflected broader efforts across Asia Pacific to accelerate the transition towards lower-carbon aviation operations.
Fabrice Espinosa, founder and chief executive of ASAFA, said Vietnam possesses the conditions necessary to develop a strong SAF ecosystem and could emerge as a significant regional player in the sector.
Industry participants at the summit included:
The discussions focused on regional cooperation, production capabilities, policy frameworks and investment requirements needed to scale SAF adoption across Asia Pacific markets.
The aviation sector globally is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions as governments and airlines pursue long-term decarbonisation targets.
Sustainable aviation fuel is widely viewed as one of the aviation industry's most immediate pathways for reducing lifecycle carbon emissions from air transport, particularly for long-haul operations where electrification remains limited.
Since launching in 2024, ASAFA has expanded to include 44 organisations across 17 countries, establishing itself as a growing advocacy and collaboration platform for sustainable aviation fuel development in Asia Pacific.
Key summit developments included:
Vietnam’s decision to host the summit in Da Nang also reflects efforts to strengthen the city’s profile in clean technology and aviation innovation.
The collaboration framework signed during the summit positions Da Nang as a future centre for SAF research, training and ecosystem development.
The Vietnam event is the first of three ASAFA summits scheduled for 2026. Additional meetings are planned in Thailand in June and Malaysia in October as the organisation expands regional engagement on aviation sustainability.
The growing frequency of SAF-focused regional forums underscores how governments and aviation stakeholders across Asia Pacific are moving from early policy discussions towards long-term infrastructure and fuel production planning.
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