South Korea mandates sustainable fuel for flights

The South Korean government has unveiled its “Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blending Mandate Roadmap,” setting out requirements for international flights departing from the country to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) starting in 2027, with plans to progressively increase its use over subsequent years. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the aviation sector’s significant contribution to global emissions, as fuel remains the primary source of these emissions. SAF, typically derived from sustainable resources such as waste oils and agricultural residues, is regarded as a crucial solution for reducing the industry’s carbon footprint in the short to medium term. According to SAF producers, these fuels can potentially reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional fuels.

A recent report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates that although SAF production is projected to double by 2025, it will still represent a mere 0.7% of total airline fuel consumption. The introduction of South Korea’s mandate aligns with similar initiatives globally, including those by the EU and the UK, both implementing a 2% SAF mandate from 2025.

Under the new regulations introduced by South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), international flights departing from Korea in 2027 must use fuel with a 1% SAF blend. This requirement will increase to 3–5% by 2030 and 7–10% by 2035, with specific targets determined by global market trends and domestic industry conditions. While penalties for non-compliance are part of the new mandate, they will initially be deferred. The mandate also includes provisions for flexibility, allowing up to 20% of the SAF-blended fuel requirement for a given year to be deferred and met within the subsequent three years. New airlines will be exempt from the mandate during their first three years of operation.

SAFs recognised under the mandate will meet carbon reduction levels as stipulated by international standards, based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with bio-aviation fuel quality standards expected to be established by mid-2026.

South Korea’s Vice Minister for Transport, Kang Hee-up, stated that the SAF mandate “represents Korea’s first step toward achieving carbon neutrality in international aviation, and will be remembered as a historic milestone that further elevates Korea’s status as the world’s eighth-largest air transport nation.”