Korean Air will expand its cargo sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program through the partnership with global logistics company CEVA Logistics.

The South Korean flag carrier said its customer-participation SAF program was launched in September 2023 to engage industry partners in supporting sustainable practices.

 Under the agreement, CEVA Logistics will support the airline's usage of SAF in its air cargo operations, and the airline will then share carbon emissions reductions with CEVA Logistics.

Both companies are committed to promoting SAF usage and raising awareness about reducing carbon emissions in the logistics sector.

"We are pleased with the strong support from businesses and cargo customers for our SAF program," said Jaedong Eum, senior vice president and head of the cargo business division at Korean Air.

"We will continue to build partnerships that enable our customers to actively and directly contribute to decarbonization efforts," he added.

Olivier Boccara, air and ocean Leader APAC at CEVA Logistics, said one of CEVA's key short-term levers to promote decarbonization hinges on collaboration.

"Through developing new solutions for our customers with airline partners like Korean Air, we are able to contribute to meaningful change in our industry," he added.

"Extending our SAF offering into the Asian market is a tangible step we can take now as we look ahead to more advances in fuels and other technologies to decarbonize air freight and the global supply chain," Boccara added.

In February 2022, Korean Air became the first Korean flag carrier to use SAF, with its implementation on its scheduled Paris - Seoul Incheon route.

The airline also signed an MOU with Shell in September 2022 to purchase SAF at major airports in Asia Pacific and the Middle East from 2026 to 2031.

In its commitment to sustainable aviation, Korean Air will continue to foster partnerships with its customers, energy companies, and stakeholders to support the adoption of SAF in the global aviation industry.