Bangchak Corporation has announced a new initiative in collaboration with Thai government agencies and hospitality industry associations to convert used cooking oil into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This project, called Fry to Fly, aims to promote the collection and utilization of waste cooking oil from hotels and restaurants, transforming it into an eco-friendly fuel that supports Thailand's sustainability goals.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 5 October 2026 at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and signifies a strategic effort to reduce environmental impacts from the tourism and hospitality sectors. The initiative emphasizes not only environmental conservation and greenhouse gas reduction but also aims to foster local economic development through waste management and resource re-utilization.
Advancing Sustainable Aviation
Bangchak has over two decades of experience in converting used cooking oil into biofuels, with recent advancements enabling the production of SAF using HEFA-SPK technology. This transition from biodiesel for road transport to aviation fuels represents a significant step toward low-carbon air travel in Thailand.
"The Fry to Fly initiative demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can create sustainable solutions for the future of aviation," said Mrs. Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President at Bangchak.
Representatives from DASTA and the Ministry of Tourism highlighted that this project also supports health standards, environmental protection, and promotes the circular economy, encouraging local entrepreneurs to participate by selling or exchanging used cooking oil rather than disposing of it improperly.
Ultimately, the project aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to develop a sustainable tourism ecosystem that balances growth, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship, setting a model for similar initiatives in the region.
