Korean Air and GS Caltex have joined forces to conduct test flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of an initiative to establish SAF quality standards and promote its commercialization.
The partnership, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 29, aligns with the Korean government's commitment to enhancing the supply of eco-friendly biofuels.
This collaborative endeavor involves active participation from both Korean Air and GS Caltex, alongside the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), the Korea Petroleum Quality & Distribution Authority, and the Incheon International Airport Corporation.
Under this agreement, Korean Air will utilize SAF supplied by GS Caltex for select international flights departing from Seoul Incheon. The airline will ensure that the SAF meets international quality standards, including those set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These test flights are scheduled to take place over a six-month period, commencing in the second half of 2023.
Subsequently, the outcomes of these flights will be employed by the government to establish guidelines for the domestic implementation of SAF. This research will assist in defining SAF quality standards before embarking on full-scale domestic production.
The utilization of SAF is expected to play a pivotal role in significantly reducing carbon emissions from aviation operations. Unlike nonrenewable fossil fuels, SAF is produced from environmentally friendly and/or recycled materials, such as animal and vegetable oils, algae, and solid waste. It has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% when compared to traditional fossil jet fuel.
The adoption of SAF is gaining momentum worldwide, with the European Union mandating airlines refueling within its territory to incorporate a minimum 2% SAF blend from 2025. Many countries, including the United States, are implementing various policies and incentives, such as tax deductions, to promote SAF production.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has also guided states to adopt and commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions from international flight operations by 2050.
Korean Air conducted its first SAF test in November 2017 on the Seoul Incheon to Chicago O'Hare route and has been utilizing SAF on its Paris-Seoul Incheon route since last year. Additionally, the airline has entered into an agreement with global energy company Shell to procure SAF from Shell at major airports in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East for a five-year period starting in 2026.
The increase in SAF usage by Korean Air is part of its proactive approach to reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change. It also strengthens the airline's commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management, enhancing transparency in governance practices.
"SAF plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector, but it is influenced by various factors, such as domestic and international policies, regulations, and supply and demand dynamics," said Seong Bae Cho, Senior Vice President of Procurement at Korean Air. "Through our collaboration with GS Caltex, we aim to invigorate the domestic SAF market in Korea and contribute to the government's decarbonization initiatives."
