Pelita Air Makes Historic First Flight Using Waste-Cooking-Oil SAF
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — PT Pertamina, through its subsidiary Pelita Air, has made history with Indonesia’s first commercial flight using sustainable aviation fuel derived from waste cooking oil. The Jakarta–Bali flight on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward cleaner aviation energy.
Pertamina’s Director of Transformation and Business Sustainability Agung Wicaksono said the use of sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, was a manifestation of the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while supporting the global energy transition agenda. The SAF used in Pelita Air’s inaugural flight contained a 2.5% blend of used cooking oil.
“This is a historic achievement as Pelita Air takes off with SAF, a sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel. With a 2.5% blend of waste cooking oil, we are flying cleaner skies, cutting carbon emissions, and showing Pertamina’s international commitment to sustainability. I hope this continues to expand and further strengthens Pertamina’s standing globally,” Agung said.
Flight attendant of Pelita Air poses ahead of the inaugural SAF-powered flight, Jakarta, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Source: Pertamina
Passengers onboard the maiden flight said they did not notice any difference between SAF and conventional jet fuel. Grace, a passenger from Jakarta, said the journey felt seamless and comfortable.
“It felt smooth and comfortable, just like usual. No problems at all. Pertamina has always been the first in fuel innovation, so I felt safe flying with Pelita Air,” she said.
Another passenger, Saiful, said he felt proud to be part of aviation history. “I just learned that Pelita Air was using environmentally friendly fuel, and this was the first flight with SAF,” he said.
Passengers of Pelita Air share their impressions after the first SAF-powered flight, Jakarta–Bali, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Source: Pertamina
A Clean Energy Milestone
The launch event was held at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Pertamina emphasized that the achievement was not just a trial but a concrete step toward a clean energy era for Indonesia’s aviation sector. SAF made from used cooking oil is considered highly promising, as it turns household waste into energy while cutting the carbon footprint of air transport.
The initiative is also aligned with the global target set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which has urged member states to reduce carbon emissions from international flights.
“Pertamina has set a new milestone with SAF, proving that Indonesia can compete on the global stage in the energy transition,” Agung said.
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