SEOUL– Korean Air (KE) plans to expand its use of domestically produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends on more routes between South Korea and Japan. The airline will apply a 1 % SAF blend to additional flights beyond its existing trial services.
Incheon-based Korean Air first used SAF on flight KE719 from Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) in August 2024 as part of a weekly domestic blend programme. The airline now intends to extend the same practice to other Japanese destinations.
Photo: Korean AirExpansion of SAF Routes and Supply
Korean Air will apply the SAF blend on routes from Incheon to Kobe (UKB) and from Seoul Gimpo (GMP) to Osaka (KIX), reported Flight Global. The expansion follows the initial Incheon-to-Haneda trial and will run until late 2026.
The SAF will be supplied by HD Hyundai Oilbank for the Incheon-Kobe route, and by GS Caltex for the Gimpo-Osaka route.
Both fuels are refined from used cooking oil and related feedstocks. They are certified under international sustainability standards, ensuring safety and environmental compliance.
South Korea has pledged to make SAF blending mandatory on all international flights departing the country starting in 2027, with a minimum 1 % blend to begin with. This supports the government’s goal of reducing international aviation emissions by 5 % by 2030.
Photo- 74777; GoodFon.comEnvironmental and Strategic Importance
Using SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 % compared with conventional jet fuel. While a 1 % blend represents a modest start, the expansion signals a meaningful step toward Korean Air’s broader sustainability goals.
By sourcing SAF domestically, Korean Air strengthens its supply chain resilience and demonstrates leadership in ecological aviation. The airline also positions itself ahead of regulatory requirements and international trends toward greener aviation fuels.
Despite progress, higher SAF blend ratios remain expensive and face infrastructure and supply limitations. Korean Air and the South Korean government will need to scale up production capacity and possibly introduce incentives to make SAF more widely available.
The transition period through 2026 will be crucial for establishing reliable supply chains, expanding refinery capacity, and ensuring market acceptance. If successful, Korean Air will be well placed to meet the 2027 mandate and set an example for other Asian carriers.
Photo: Clément AlloingBottom line
Korean Air’s decision to broaden SAF use on more flights to Japan reflects both regulatory momentum and its own sustainability commitments.
As the airline carries out the expanded programme on routes such as Incheon-Kobe and Gimpo-Osaka, it builds the foundation for mandatory SAF blending from 2027.
This shift may help reduce aviation emissions, bolster domestic SAF production, and align South Korea with global environmental standards.
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