2 South Korean firms partner for sustainable aviation fuel production

Sustainable Skies Korean Air and Samsung E&A Partner for Large-Scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

In a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry, South Korea's flag carrier Korean Air (KE) has partnered with engineering firm Samsung E&A to develop a reliable and large-scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and supply ecosystem.

The Case for Sustainable Aviation Fuels

As the world grapples with climate change, the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), made from renewable waste and raw materials, offer a promising solution to this problem. By using SAFs, airlines can significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The Partnership

Korean Air and Samsung E&A have joined forces to create a comprehensive SAF production and supply chain originating in the United States. This strategic partnership leverages the strengths of both companies, with KE providing expertise in aviation and Samsung E&A bringing its engineering prowess to the table.

Objectives and Goals

Through this partnership, the two firms aim to

Identify and evaluate overseas SAF production projects
Review long-term SAF opportunities
Explore investments in SAF-related technologies and projects

Focusing on the US Market

The United States was chosen as the first target market due to its abundance of feedstock, advanced technology, and strong infrastructure. This move also enables KE and Samsung E&A to tap into the growing demand for SAFs in the US market.

Gasification Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Technology

Samsung E&A is currently reviewing participation in a US SAF project that uses gasification FT technology to convert woody waste into synthetic liquid fuel. This next-generation approach expands the range of usable feedstocks beyond the limitations of first-generation SAF, which depends on restricted materials such as used cooking oil.

The Benefits and Impacts

The use of FT-based production can process non-edible and waste biomass, offering significantly greater carbon-reduction benefits. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, KE's partnership with Samsung E&A contributes to the aviation industry's Net Zero 2050 goal and enhances its ability to effectively navigate evolving global environmental regulations.

KE's Commitment to Sustainability

As a pioneer in sustainable aviation, KE has been using SAF for select flights since 2017. The airline has also begun using domestically produced SAF for select flights departing from Incheon International Airport and expanded its use in flights via Gimpo International Airport. With this new partnership, KE is committed to accelerating global SAF adoption and advancing its commitment to sustainable aviation and ESG management.

Conclusion*

In a landscape dominated by rising carbon emissions, the partnership between Korean Air and Samsung E&A offers a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future in aviation. By harnessing the power of technology and innovative partnerships, we can create a cleaner, greener tomorrow for generations to come.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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