When Airlines and Universities Align Great Things Happen

Vietjet and the University of Oxford have announced the initial findings of a landmark research initiative exploring practical pathways to achieve Net Zero emissions in aviation. The announcement also marks the launch of the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship Scheme — a landmark education program co-founded by Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Sovico Group and Vietjet Air.

This is the second announcement in recent time of an airline joining forces with a university to advance progress in aviation. just a few weeks ago, Qantas revealed a partnership with two Australian universities to launch programs designed to strengthen safety leadership and expertise across multiple industries, including aviation. The academy will offer a series of micro-credentials focused on key areas such as safety culture, risk management, data management, and human safety factors like sleep and fatigue management.

The milestone collaboration with Vietjet and Oxford underscores growing ties between Vietnam and the UK in science, innovation, and higher education, with potential long-term benefits for global aviation, including Australia’s own efforts to decarbonise air travel.

Led by Professor Myles Allen, Director of Oxford Net Zero Centre, the research focuses on Geological Balance Fuel (GBF) – an innovative form of aviation fuel where carbon emissions are offset through the long-term geological storage of CO₂. Initial findings suggest that GBF could provide a practical pathway for the aviation sector to achieve Net Zero emissions by mid-century. The key advantage of this breakthrough lies in its cost-effectiveness and compatibility with existing global fuel supply systems, minimising disruption and additional costs to current energy and fuel industries.

In addition, the University of Oxford and Sovico Group, the parent company of Vietjet, have together established the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship Scheme, under the leadership and personal backing of Dr Thao, who is also the group chairwoman.

With an initial endowment of £17.83 million, comprising £13.7 million (approx. AUD$27.45m) contributed personally by Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and £4.13 million (approx. AUD$8.23m million) co-funded by the University of Oxford, the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship Scheme aims to provide long-term opportunities for exceptional students and researchers, with a particular focus on Vietnamese scholars.

As Vietjet continues to expand its footprint across Australia connecting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth with Vietnam, the airline’s investment in research and education demonstrates its broader ambition to shape the future of sustainable global aviation.