Korean Air has partnered with LX Pantos, a global logistics company, to expand the use of SAF on cargo flights to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding at the Korean Air headquarters today, attended by Jaedong Eum (left), senior vice president and head of cargo, business division at Korean Air, and Keun Taek Oh (right), vice president and head of the air freight business unit at LX Pantos.
In September, Korean Air launched a SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) programme for air cargo customers and forwarders to make customised contributions to reduce their carbon footprint. As the inaugural partner for this programme, LX Pantos has partnered with the airline to contribute to the global aviation industry’s net-zero carbon emissions goals.
Both companies have agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the cargo industry and foster awareness of SAF usage within Korea. LX Pantos will purchase sustainable fuel for Korean Air’s cargo operations, and Korean Air will share the amount of carbon emissions reduced accordingly.
Jaedong Eum said: “We are delighted to welcome LX Pantos as our first partner in the joint initiative for the future of sustainable aviation fuel. Together, we hope to co-operate closely to expedite the commercialisation of SAF, a common goal in the aviation industry, and enhance awareness of SAF utilisation in the Korean market.
Keun Taek Oh added: “Decarbonising the air logistics industry is a key survival factor for the future. LX Pantos will strengthen its ESG activities and take a leading role in creating a sustainable logistics environment through co-operation with Korean Air on SAF.”
Korean Air is working to establish the infrastructure for SAF usage in the domestic aviation sector. In September 2022, the airline signed an agreement with Shell to purchase sustainable fuel at major airports in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East from 2026 to 2031.
The airline is also conducting six test flights using SAF from September to November this year, and will share the results with the Korean government. The government aims to set SAF blending ratios and quality standards based on the outcomes of these test flights.
Image credit: Korean Air
