Korean Air, LX Pantos to increase SAF usage for cargo flights

Korean Air and LX Pantos signed an MoU to increase use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on cargo flights to meet the net-zero carbon emissions target.

Under the agreement, LX Pantos will purchase SAF for Korean Air’s cargo operations, and Korean Air will share the amount of carbon emissions reduced accordingly.

“We are delighted to welcome LX Pantos as our first partner in the joint initiative for the future of 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 Jaedong Eum, senior vice president and head of cargo business division, Korean Air.

The MoU comes on the heels of Korean Air’s launch of cargo SAF program for air cargo customers and forwarders in September. LX Pantos will partner with Korean Air as the inaugural partner for this program.

“Decarbonizing the air logistics industry is a key survival factor for the future,” said Keun Taek Oh, vice president and head of air freight business unit, LX Pantos. “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 is working to establish SAF infrastructure for the domestic aviation sector. In September 2022, the airline signed an agreement with Shell to purchase SAF at major airports in Asia Pacific and the Middle East from 2026 to 2031.

Korean Air is also conducting six test flights using SAF from September to November this year.