Korean Air Expands “Green SKYPASS” Urban Greening Initiative with Tree-Planting Event in Seoul
Korean Air held a tree-planting and environmental restoration event for its “Green SKYPASS” Project at Mullae Neighborhood Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on June 11, marking a continued expansion of the airline’s sustainability-focused community initiatives. The event brought together employees from Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, alongside local partners, to support urban greening efforts and improve public green spaces in the capital.
The initiative was organized in cooperation with the Yeongdeungpo-gu Office and Forest for Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to ecological restoration and urban forestry. Participants engaged in tree-planting activities as well as environmental cleanup work, contributing to the revitalization of the park while also reinforcing collaboration between the two airlines as part of their ongoing corporate integration efforts.
The Green SKYPASS Project is an environmental program that connects Korean Air’s loyalty ecosystem with sustainability objectives. It is driven directly by SKYPASS members’ participation. When members redeem miles for domestic or international award tickets or purchase airline merchandise through the KE Design Store in Korean Air’s online Mileage Mall, a portion of the proceeds is allocated to a dedicated environmental fund. This structure allows frequent flyers and customers to indirectly contribute to environmental restoration and urban greening projects through their everyday engagement with the airline’s services.
Funds generated through the SKYPASS program were used to support the Yeongdeungpo-gu park renovation project, which aims to transform the aging Mullae Neighborhood Park into a more vibrant and accessible urban green space. The renovation plan focuses on preserving existing mature trees while expanding overall greenery coverage. In addition, the project includes upgrades to pedestrian walkways, seating areas, and park facilities to improve safety, accessibility, and user experience for local residents.
Once completed, the redesigned park is expected to provide an enhanced recreational environment for the surrounding community while also contributing to improved urban biodiversity and environmental quality in the densely populated district. According to project timelines, the renovated park is scheduled for completion by the end of this month.
This latest activity represents the second phase of the Green SKYPASS Project, which was first launched in 2021 as part of Korean Air’s broader sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategy. In its initial phase, the airline successfully created its first SKYPASS Forest at Omok Park in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, which was completed in 2023. That earlier project was funded through the participation of more than 2,000 SKYPASS members, highlighting strong customer engagement in the program’s environmental goals.
Through successive phases, Korean Air has positioned the Green SKYPASS initiative as a model that links customer loyalty with tangible environmental impact. By converting mileage-based transactions into funding for urban forestry and public space improvements, the airline aims to promote long-term sustainability while fostering a sense of shared responsibility among its members.
A Korean Air spokesperson emphasized the dual social and environmental value of the program, stating that the Green SKYPASS Project enables members to directly participate in environmental preservation efforts. The spokesperson added that the airline intends to continue expanding eco-friendly initiatives that actively involve both customers and local communities, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development.
As urban areas like Seoul continue to face challenges related to air quality, limited green space, and climate resilience, initiatives such as Green SKYPASS are increasingly viewed as meaningful contributions to improving livability and environmental health. By integrating corporate participation, customer engagement, and municipal collaboration, Korean Air’s program reflects a growing trend in the aviation industry toward sustainability-driven community investment.
With the completion of the Mullae Neighborhood Park renovation approaching, the Green SKYPASS Project is expected to deliver visible benefits to residents in Yeongdeungpo-gu while further strengthening Korean Air’s long-term environmental commitments.
Source link: https://www.koreanair.com/