Korean Air Expands Use of Domestically Produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel on Japan Routes
Korean Air has taken another significant step in its environmental sustainability journey by expanding the use of domestically produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on its international flights. Beginning September 19, 2025, the airline will introduce SAF blends on routes connecting South Korea with Kobe and Osaka, Japan. This development builds on the success of an earlier year-long trial conducted on the Incheon–Haneda route, and it highlights the growing role of homegrown energy solutions in the global aviation industry’s decarbonization efforts.
From Pilot Trials to Regular Operations
The airline’s journey with SAF began in August 2024 when it launched a 12-month trial program on the Incheon–Haneda route. The program concluded in August 2025, successfully verifying the fuel’s safety, efficiency, and reliability. Throughout the trial, Korean Air worked closely with domestic suppliers and regulatory agencies to ensure that the locally produced SAF met international safety and performance standards. The results were highly encouraging, showing no adverse effects on aircraft systems or operations.
Encouraged by these results, Korean Air decided to move forward with integrating SAF into additional routes. Starting September 19, 2025, the airline will operate with a 1% SAF blend on select flights, including KE731 from Incheon to Kobe and KE2117 from Gimpo to Osaka. This program will continue until December 31, 2026, covering approximately 90 flights to Kobe and 26 flights to Osaka. While the percentage of SAF in the fuel mix is modest, industry experts view such initiatives as crucial stepping stones toward broader adoption and scaling up of SAF use in the coming years.
What is SAF and Why It Matters
Sustainable aviation fuel is widely regarded as one of the most effective tools for reducing carbon emissions in aviation without requiring drastic changes to aircraft design or airport infrastructure. Unlike conventional jet fuel, which is derived from fossil sources, SAF can be produced from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, municipal waste, or even algae.
In Korean Air’s case, the SAF deployed on these routes is derived from used cooking oil (UCO), a feedstock that is readily available and sustainable. The fuel is certified under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), ensuring compliance with rigorous international standards. According to industry data, SAF can reduce life-cycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with fossil-based jet fuel, depending on the feedstock and production method.
For an industry responsible for around 2% to 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, SAF represents a tangible pathway to achieving net-zero targets by 2050. It allows airlines to continue operating their existing fleets while steadily lowering their environmental footprint.
Partnerships with Domestic Energy Companies
A notable aspect of Korean Air’s SAF program is its reliance on local suppliers. The SAF used in the new initiative is sourced from HD Hyundai Oilbank and GS Caltex, two of South Korea’s leading energy companies. Both firms have been investing in renewable energy solutions and developing refining processes to convert used cooking oil into aviation-grade fuel.
By partnering with these suppliers, Korean Air not only supports the domestic energy sector but also fosters the development of a local SAF ecosystem. This reduces dependence on imports, strengthens energy security, and positions South Korea as an emerging player in the global SAF market. Given the rising global demand for SAF, such collaborations could also open opportunities for exports in the future.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Critics may note that a 1% SAF blend represents only a small fraction of total fuel consumption, but experts argue that initiatives like these are critical for scaling the SAF industry. Producing SAF is currently more expensive and resource-intensive than conventional jet fuel, partly because of limited infrastructure and feedstock availability. As airlines, suppliers, and governments collaborate to expand production capacity, costs are expected to fall, making higher blend ratios economically viable.
Korean Air’s decision to operate nearly 120 flights with SAF over a 15-month period is thus more than symbolic—it sends a strong market signal that demand exists and that the airline is willing to invest in greener operations. Moreover, the initiative aligns with global aviation targets to replace at least 10% of conventional jet fuel with SAF by 2030, a goal set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Aligning with National and Global Goals
South Korea has set ambitious goals for carbon neutrality by 2050, and the aviation industry is expected to play a vital role in achieving these objectives. The government has been actively encouraging airlines to adopt low-carbon technologies and has supported research into SAF production. Korean Air’s expansion of SAF usage fits neatly into this broader policy framework and demonstrates how national carriers can serve as leaders in sustainability.
On a global level, the initiative supports ICAO’s CORSIA program, which aims to cap international aviation emissions at 2019 levels and offset or reduce any growth above that threshold. By incorporating SAF into its operations, Korean Air reduces the need for carbon offsets while directly cutting emissions at the source.
Industry-Wide Momentum
Korean Air’s move also reflects broader industry trends. Major global carriers such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Japan Airlines have all launched SAF initiatives in recent years. Some are blending SAF into long-haul routes, while others are partnering with energy firms to invest in new SAF production facilities. Airports in regions like Europe and North America are also beginning to integrate SAF into their fuel supply systems.
For Asian carriers, the adoption of SAF is still at an early stage, making Korean Air’s efforts particularly noteworthy. By embracing domestically produced SAF and committing to multi-route operations, the airline is positioning itself as a leader in Asia’s green aviation movement.
Korean Air has expressed its commitment to expanding SAF adoption beyond the Kobe and Osaka routes in the future. The airline has indicated that it will continue to explore higher blending ratios, additional feedstocks, and broader collaborations with both domestic and international partners.
However, scaling up will require coordinated action across the industry. Challenges include ensuring adequate feedstock supply, scaling production capacity, meeting certification requirements, and lowering costs. Government incentives, international partnerships, and technological advancements will all play critical roles in overcoming these hurdles.
A Symbol of Commitment
The expansion of SAF use on Japan routes is more than just an operational adjustment—it is a statement of intent. Korean Air is signaling its dedication to sustainability, its willingness to collaborate with domestic energy companies, and its alignment with international climate commitments. While the percentage of SAF used may be small today, the symbolism and momentum behind these actions are powerful.
As aviation continues to recover from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and faces mounting pressure to address climate change, initiatives like these provide a roadmap for how airlines can balance growth with responsibility. For passengers flying between South Korea and Japan, the experience may not feel different, but the environmental impact certainly is.
In the words of industry observers, each flight powered—even partially—by sustainable aviation fuel represents a flight toward a cleaner, more resilient future for global air travel.