Synopsis:
Korean Air has forged a groundbreaking alliance with Yusen Logistics, a global logistics firm, signing a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Cooperation Program Agreement in Tokyo. This marks Yusen Logistics as Korean Air’s inaugural cargo SAF partner in Japan. The collaboration aims to advance the use of sustainable aviation fuel within the Asian region, aligning with the aviation industry’s climate change objectives. The partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to the 2050 net-zero target and the sustainable development of the air cargo sector.
Article
In a visionary move towards sustainable aviation, Korean Air has joined forces with Yusen Logistics, a prominent global logistics company. The collaboration took shape with the signing of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Cooperation Program Agreement at the Yusen Logistics headquarters in Tokyo. This landmark agreement positions Yusen Logistics as Korean Air’s first cargo SAF partner based in Japan and signifies a collective commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the air cargo industry.
Jaedong Eum, Senior Vice President and Head of Cargo Business Division at Korean Air, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Yusen Logistics as our cargo SAF program partner, to jointly promote and implement SAF usage.” He emphasized Korean Air’s steadfast dedication to the industry’s climate change goals and the sustainable development of air cargo.
Eisuke Fukagawa, Global Head of Airfreight Forwarding Group at Yusen Logistics, echoed this commitment, saying, “Yusen Logistics is also committed to the 2050 net-zero target. With this partnership with Korean Air, we are able to support our customers to decarbonize their supply chains and help stimulate larger supply for SAF.” The collaboration is poised to contribute significantly to the broader sustainability efforts in the logistics sector.
Korean Air’s pioneering move in September 2023 initiated a program to utilize sustainable aviation fuel for air cargo operations, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Korea’s air cargo industry. Under this program, customers have the opportunity to purchase SAF for air cargo operations, with Korean Air sharing the resulting carbon emissions reductions with its customers. This innovative approach not only supports sustainable practices but also encourages active participation from air cargo customers and forwarders.
The commitment extends beyond the partnership itself, with Korean Air expressing its dedication to collaborating with relevant governments, clients, and oil refinery companies. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and establish an efficient domestic SAF infrastructure in Korea, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious aviation industry.
Conclusion:
The partnership between Korean Air and Yusen Logistics heralds a new era in the air cargo industry, where sustainability takes center stage. By joining forces to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel, both companies demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and support the broader goals of the aviation sector in combating climate change. This collaboration serves as a beacon for others in the industry, showcasing the positive impact that can be achieved through innovative and sustainable practices.
