South Korea plans mix of sustainable aviation fuel for international flights from 2027, BA

South Korea announced on Friday its aim to have all departing international flights use approximately 1% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2027. This initiative is in preparation for the mandatory carbon offset and reduction scheme set to be implemented by members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) starting from that year, as stated by the industry and transport ministries.

“As the world’s top aviation fuel exporter, South Korea requires strong policy support to ready itself for the SAF market as a promising new growth sector in response to global demand expansion,” the ministries mentioned in a statement. Six South Korean airlines, including Korean Air, are already implementing or planning to incorporate 1% SAF into the fuel for a single international route once a week starting this year.

SAF, a sustainable alternative to petroleum jet fuel, is derived from agricultural and waste feedstocks. The ministries highlighted that demand for SAF is projected to increase to 18.35 million tonnes by 2030 from 240,000 tonnes in 2022, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). To support the oil refining industry, the government is considering broader tax incentives for investments in SAF development, as well as incentives to alleviate the high production costs of SAF in the future.