Korean Air announced its plans to commence the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on scheduled Seoul Incheon-Paris CDG service, making it the first South Korean airline to utilise SAF on a regular international service.

In June last year, Korean Air signed an agreement with Hyundai Oilbank to collaborate on the promotion of SAF usage. 

Earlier, the airline also announced that its first Boeing 737-8 was delivered to Incheon Airport on February 13 and is scheduled to begin operations from March 1.

Korean Air is slated to receive a total of six of this 737-8, aircraft this year after signing an agreement in November 2015 to acquire 30 737-8s.

The said aircraft can operate on 15% less fuel compared to similar aircraft, lowering per-seat operating costs by 12%. Carbon emissions will also be reduced by 13% compared to the Boeing 737 Next Generation.

"The 737-8 will enable Korean Air’s continued growth through improved efficiency and operational cost performance," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

"This milestone delivery will further enhance Korean Air’s domestic and regional capabilities and we are dedicated to supporting the airline as they integrate these new airplanes into their world-class fleet," Mounir added.