South Korean airlines, including Korean Air and T’way Air, have begun regular international flights using domestically produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), certified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). SAF is an eco-friendly fuel that eliminates the need for fossil fuels and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Aug. 30 announced the SAF expansion strategy at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 2. This strategy aims to cut carbon emissions in international aviation and foster new industries. Starting the same day, Korean Air will blend 1% SAF into the fuel for its flights between Incheon and Haneda once a week.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, SAF is regarded as the most effective method for decarbonizing international aviation. Nineteen countries have adopted commercial SAF refueling to address the climate crisis, with some mandating its use.
In South Korea, six airlines—Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, T’way Air, Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, and Jin Air—will operate international flights with SAF. Each airline will determine its own routes, schedules, and SAF blending ratios while securing SAF from domestic oil companies. With this initiative, South Korea will become the 20th country listed on ICAO’s website for SAF refueling.
To promote SAF usage, the two ministries, national airlines, domestic oil companies, Incheon International Airport Corporation, and Korea Airports Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the commercial use of SAF.
The nine participating airlines are Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Eastar Jet, T’way Air, Air Busan, Air Premia, and Aero K. The five domestic oil companies are S-Oil, SK Energy, HD Hyundai Oilbank, GS Caltex, and Hanwha TotalEnergies.
