- S-Oil Corp. begins supplying sustainable aviation fuel to Korean Air for weekly flights between Incheon and Haneda airports, marking a first in South Korea.
- CEO Anwar Al-Hejazi announces plans to consider building a dedicated SAF production facility in Ulsan to meet growing demand.
S-Oil Corp., South Korea’s third-largest oil refiner, now supplies sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Korean Air Co. for flights to Japan. This move marks the first instance of a domestic refiner providing locally produced SAF to a national carrier on a regular route.
The supply deal with Korean Air, which started on August 30, covers weekly flights between Incheon International Airport and Haneda Airport. S-Oil is taking a significant step forward in South Korea’s transition to clean energy.
“S-Oil actively transforms into a clean energy supplier,” said CEO Anwar Al-Hejazi. He emphasises the company’s commitment to supporting global decarbonisation efforts and contributing to a resource-circular economy.
Al-Hejazi also discusses S-Oil’s consideration of building a dedicated SAF production facility in Ulsan, about 305 kilometres southeast of Seoul. This facility will help maintain a stable supply of SAF to meet growing demand.
In April, S-Oil became the first South Korean refiner to obtain international certifications from Control Union, a global certification body, for domestic SAF production. The company centralises its refining operations at its Ulsan facility.
S-Oil’s partnership with Korean Air aligns with the global aviation industry’s shift toward more sustainable fuel sources. Airlines worldwide face increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, and SAF plays a crucial role in this transition.
SAF comes from renewable sources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste materials. Depending on the feedstock used, it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
The South Korean government encourages the use of SAFs in its broader green energy initiatives. The country aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, and the aviation sector plays a critical role in achieving this goal.
S-Oil’s investment in SAF production strategically positions the company as a leader in the clean energy market. Saudi Aramco, which holds a 63.4% stake in S-Oil, supports this initiative.
Saudi Aramco is expanding its investments in green technologies, and S-Oil’s SAF production aligns with this broader strategy. The partnership with Korean Air strengthens S-Oil’s market position and supports its long-term growth.
Korean Air, the country’s flag carrier, actively explores ways to reduce its carbon footprint. The airline incorporates SAF on select routes and now expands its use to regular flights between South Korea and Japan.
SAF plays a crucial role in Korean Air’s sustainability strategy. The airline commits to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, which aligns with South Korea’s national goals.
As demand for SAF grows, S-Oil stands well-positioned to lead the supply in the Asia-Pacific region. The company’s plans to build a dedicated SAF facility in Ulsan will further enhance its production capabilities and support the region’s transition to cleaner aviation fuel.
S-Oil’s supply of SAF to Korean Air marks a significant milestone in South Korea’s clean energy journey. The partnership paves the way for more sustainable aviation practices and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change.