Korean Air teaming up with Samsung E&A

Korean Air announced on Nov. 21 that it has formed a strategic partnership with Samsung E&A to develop a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and supply chain in the United States.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Nov. 20 at Korean Air’s headquarters in Seoul by Korean Air Vice Chairman Woo Kee-hong and Samsung E&A CEO Namkoong Hong.

Through this partnership, the two companies will work together to identify and evaluate overseas SAF production opportunities and explore potential investments in SAF-related technologies.

By combining their respective capabilities and global networks, they aim to establish a reliable and scalable SAF production and supply ecosystem, according to Korean Air.

The United States has been selected as the initial focus of the collaboration due to its rich feedstock resources, advanced technological landscape, and well-developed industrial infrastructure.

Samsung E&A plans to contribute its engineering, procurement, and construction expertise to potential U.S. second-generation SAF projects, while Korean Air intends to provide stable long-term demand as a committed offtaker.

In aviation energy, an offtaker plays a crucial role by guaranteeing the purchase of a set volume of fuel over a defined period, reducing financial uncertainty for emerging projects and helping them reach commercial viability.

Similar long-term procurement strategies have been adopted by major global airlines such as Delta, Air France, United Airlines, and American Airlines to stimulate SAF production and supply chain growth.

Samsung E&A is currently reviewing participation in a U.S. project that will employ gasification–Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology to convert woody waste into synthetic liquid fuel.

This next-generation method broadens the range of usable feedstocks beyond the limitations of first-generation SAF, which relies on restricted materials such as used cooking oil.

FT-based production can process non-edible and waste biomass, including wood residues, while offering significantly greater carbon-reduction benefits.

“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,” a Korean Air representative said.

“Through proactive project participation and continuous cooperation, we aim to accelerate global SAF adoption and advance our commitment to sustainable aviation and ESG management.”