Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has an 80% carbon emission reduction effect compared to conventional aviation fuel made from fossil fuels. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as a promising solution. Made from renewable materials such as used cooking oil, animal fats and crops such as sugar cane, as well as electricity-based e-fuels, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel. It also produces fewer particulates and other harmful pollutants. As global demand grows, countries and airlines are increasingly turning to SAF to meet ambitious climate change targets.

Korea recently joined the ranks of countries using SAF. On August 30, 2024, one of the country’s airlines conducted its first commercial flight using domestically produced SAF, making Korea the 20th nation to do so. This milestone was the result of joint efforts by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which announced a comprehensive strategy to expand the use of SAF as part of Korea’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions from international flights.

The Korean government plans to mandate the use of SAFs on international flights departing from domestic airports starting in 2027. Initially, airlines will be required to blend SAF into their fuel at a level of about 1 percent. To support this transition, the government is offering SAF-using airlines such incentives as an increased allocation of international routes. Incheon International Airport, the country’s busiest, will provide logistical and financial support to airlines operating SAF-powered flights.

From 2027, Korea plans to continue its efforts towards carbon neutrality by mandating SAF blending (around 1%) for all international flights departing from domestic airports. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)