The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on November 20 at Korean Air’s headquarters in Seoul by Keehong Woo, Vice Chairman of Korean Air, and Namkoong Hong, President & CEO of Samsung E&A.
Under the partnership, the companies will:
Identify and evaluate overseas SAF production projects
Review long-term SAF offtake opportunities
Explore investments in SAF-related technologies and projects
Collaborate through Samsung E&A’s “SAF Technology Alliance”
Leveraging their respective strengths and global networks, the two companies aim to build a reliable, large-scale SAF production and supply ecosystem.
The United States, home to abundant feedstock, advanced technology, and strong infrastructure, has been selected as the first target market. Through this partnership, Samsung E&A will contribute its engineering, procurement, and construction expertise to support potential U.S.-based second-generation SAF projects, while Korean Air will provide stable long-term demand as a committed offtaker, creating a strong, mutually beneficial model that supports project development.
Samsung E&A is currently reviewing participation in a U.S. SAF project that will use gasification–Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology to convert woody waste into synthetic liquid fuel. This next-generation approach expands the range of usable feedstocks beyond the limitations of first-generation SAF, which depends on restricted materials such as used cooking oil. FT based production can process non-edible and waste biomass such as wood residues, while offering significantly greater carbon-reduction benefits.
Korean Air is reviewing its participation as an offtaker of the SAF produced through the project. Offtakers play an essential role in stabilizing new energy ventures by guaranteeing purchase volumes over a fixed period. Major global airlines, including Delta, Air France, United Airlines and American Airlines, have adopted similar strategies to support SAF production capacity and supply chain development.
The partnership also aligns with Korea’s national strategy to strengthen six major industries: AI, Bio, Culture, Defense, Energy and Factory (“ABCDEF”). With two Korean companies positioned at key points in the new energy value chain, the collaboration is expected to serve as a leading example of global market entry in the energy sector.
A Korean Air representative said, “This partnership will further contribute to the aviation industry’s Net Zero 2050 goal and enhance our ability to effectively navigate evolving global environmental regulations, including SAF mandates. Through proactive project participation and continuous cooperation, we aim to accelerate global SAF adoption and advance our commitment to sustainable aviation and ESG management.”
Korean Air has been at the forefront of SAF usage in Korea since 2017, when it became the first Korean carrier to operate a SAF-blended flight on the Chicago–Incheon route. The airline continues to lead the domestic SAF industry, In 2024, Korean Air began using domestically produced SAF for select flights departing Incheon International Airport and later expanded its use to Gimpo International Airport, helping to strengthen and institutionalize Korea’s SAF ecosystem.
Tags: Samsung E&A Korean Air