Korean Air accelerates decarbonization drive for sustainable flight

Korean Air's recently introduced Boeing 787-10 aircraft / Courtesy of Korean Air

Korean Air is accelerating its decarbonization drive by carrying out fleet upgrades and running diverse fuel efficiency programs, as part of its efforts to achieve net zero emissions.

According to the airline’s latest environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) report, Korean Air has introduced more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350, which burn less fuel per seat than older models.

The carrier is also operating jets that meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) most stringent Chapter 14 noise standard. These include the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321neo.

On the operational front, the airline has also run a dedicated fuel management unit since 2004. In 2023, the airline also established a system to improve coordination among dispatchers, flight crews, maintenance teams, and cargo and passenger units. Korean Air said those efforts helped it save 143,111 tons of fuel in 2024.

Korean Air invested 12.1 billion won ($8.24 million) to refurbish aircraft painting facilities, upgrade pollution control systems and cut total hydrocarbon emissions. The airline also sets annual targets for recycling waste generated during aircraft operations and maintenance.

A non-wood pulp in-flight meal container and bamboo-based cutlery from Korean Air / Courtesy of Korean Air

In the cabin, the company is reducing plastic use and introducing more sustainable materials. Beginning in December, some economy class meal containers on short-haul routes will shift to non-wood pulp, a move that is expected to cut related carbon emissions by about 60 percent each year.

Plastic cutlery has been replaced with biodegradable bamboo, and recycled materials are being used in earphone packaging.

The airline is also expanding its upcycling programs. Retired aircraft fuselage parts have been turned into limited-edition name tags and golf markers for customers.

Old maintenance uniforms have been remade into tool pouches for technicians, while discarded plastic bottles and caps collected by employees have been recycled into safety bag covers and whistles donated to local children. Used cabin crew uniforms have also been remade into small pouches and accessories.

A tool pouch for technicians, remade from Korean Air's old maintenance uniforms / Courtesy of Korean Air

Korean Air is on track to broaden its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), now partially incorporated on 14 domestic and international routes. The airline took part in Korea’s SAF demonstration program in 2023 and provided relevant data to help establish national standards for SAF.

Starting in 2024, the airline adopted domestically produced SAF on routes between Korea and various Japanese destinations. Korean Air plans to enter the U.S. SAF market through a partnership with Samsung E&A to build an SAF production and supply chain there.

Korean Air Forest in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia / Courtesy of Korean Air

The carrier is also engaging in multiple other social campaigns around the globe, such as its representative tree-planting initiative, which includes the long-running Korean Air Forest in Mongolia.

“We will keep strengthening the environmental pillar of our ESG drive to achieve more sustainable flight,” an official from the airline said.