Korean Air expands use of domestically produced SAF on Japan routes

Photo: Korean Air

Korean Air has expanded its use of domestically produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), introducing a blend of SAF on flights to Kobe and Osaka in Japan. 

The airline first trialed locally produced SAF on its Incheon-Haneda route from August 2024 to August 2025, successfully verifying the fuel’s safety and performance.  

SAF, which can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel, is considered a key component of the aviation industry’s decarbonization strategy. 

Korean Air will use a 1 percent SAF blend on flights from Incheon to Kobe (KE731) and Gimpo to Osaka (KE2117) from Sept. 19, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026.  

The program will cover approximately 90 flights on the Kobe route and 26 flights on the Osaka route. 

The airline’s SAF is sourced from domestic suppliers HD Hyundai Oilbank and GS Caltex.  

Produced from used cooking oil (UCO), the fuel is certified under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. 

Korean Air said this initiative reflects its commitment to driving sustainable aviation in Korea and supporting global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.