Korean Air and Samsung E&A Collaborate to Expand Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

South Korea's national airline, Korean Air (KE), has entered into a strategic partnership with engineering giant Samsung E&A to develop a large-scale, reliable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and distribution ecosystem. SAF, derived from renewable waste and raw materials, plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions from air travel.

In a joint statement released on Friday, KE emphasized that the collaboration will contribute significantly to the aviation industry's goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and will improve the airline's capacity to comply with emerging global environmental regulations focused on SAF implementation.

The alliance centers around projects and supply chains based in the United States, selected for its ample feedstock availability, advanced technological capabilities, and robust infrastructure supporting SAF production. On November 20, KE Vice Chair Keehong Woo and Samsung E&A CEO Namkoong Hong formalized the partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding at KE's Seoul headquarters.

The two companies plan to identify and assess overseas SAF production initiatives, evaluate long-term investment prospects, and explore technological advancements in the sustainable fuel sector. Samsung E&A is considering involvement in a US-based SAF project utilizing gasification Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology, which converts woody biomass waste into synthetic liquid fuel.

This cutting-edge FT method broadens the spectrum of usable feedstocks beyond traditional sources like used cooking oil, enabling greater carbon reduction through the processing of non-edible biomass such as wood residues. KE is also reviewing the possibility of becoming an offtaker of SAF produced via this technology.

KE stated, "Through proactive project participation and continuous cooperation, we aim to accelerate global SAF adoption and advance our commitment to sustainable aviation and ESG (environmental, social and governance) management."

Notably, Korean Air was the first Korean carrier to operate a flight using SAF blend back in 2017. In 2024, the airline began utilizing domestically produced SAF on select routes from Incheon International Airport, later extending this to flights originating from Gimpo International Airport.

Presently, KE operates with a 1 percent SAF blend on flights from Incheon to Kobe and Gimpo to Osaka, covering approximately 90 Kobe route flights and 26 Osaka route flights between September 19, 2025, and December 31, 2026. The SAF used on these routes is sourced from domestic providers and produced from recycled used cooking oil.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in Korea's sustainable aviation efforts and underlines the commitment of both companies to fostering greener aviation fuels internationally.