Korean Air has partnered with global logistics company LX Pantos to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use on cargo flights. This is an important move towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions in air cargo operations.
The partners formalized their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed at the Korean Air headquarters on November 20. Jaedong Eum, Senior Vice President and Head of Cargo Business Division at Korean Air, and Keun Taek Oh, Vice President and Head of Air Freight Business Unit at LX Pantos attended the signing ceremony.
Korean Air Cargo SAF Program
Korean Air launched a specialized SAF program in September to reduce its carbon footprint. This program caters to air cargo customers and forwarders. As the pioneering partner of this initiative, LX Pantos has joined hands with Korean Air to contribute towards the global aviation industry’s ambitious goal of eliminating carbon emissions.
Under this cooperative agreement, both companies have committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the cargo sector. They will also promote sustainable aviation fuel use within Korea. LX Pantos will procure SAF for Korean Air’s cargo operations. In return, Korean Air will calculate and share the corresponding decrease in carbon emissions.
“We are delighted to welcome LX Pantos as our first partner in the joint initiative for the future of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Together, we hope to cooperate closely to expedite the commercialization of SAF, a common goal in the aviation industry, and enhance awareness of SAF utilization in the Korean market,” said Mr. Eum.
“Decarbonizing the air logistics industry is a key survival factor for the future,” said Mr. Oh. “LX Pantos will strengthen its ESG activities and take a leading role in creating a sustainable logistics environment through cooperation with Korean Air on SAF.”
Korean Air’s SAF Commitment
Korean Air is actively working on establishing infrastructure to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in domestic flights. In September 2022, the airline signed an agreement with Shell to procure SAF. The agreement covers SAF supply at major airports in Asia Pacific and the Middle East from 2026 to 2031. Additionally, Korean Air is conducting six test flights using SAF between September and November of this year. The airline plans to share the results of these test flights with the government. The government will then determine the SAF’s blending ratios and quality standards based on these outcomes.