Japan Airlines partners with Airbus, Nippon Paper, and Sumitomo for sustainable aviation fuel production
By:
Pilotcenter.net
Pilotcenter.net News recently reported that Japan Airlines (JAL) has taken a significant step towards sustainable aviation by partnering with Airbus, Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation, and Green Earth Institute (GEI) to explore sourcing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from Japanese wood sources. The collaboration, known as ‘Morisora’, aims to boost the production and utilization of domestic SAF by leveraging bioethanol made from wood biomass.
The initiative began in February 2025 when Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation, and GEI joined forces to establish a joint venture dedicated to manufacturing and selling bioethanol derived from wood. JAL and Airbus recently hopped onboard the project to facilitate the adoption and expansion of SAF within the aviation industry. By working in tandem with various businesses in the SAF supply chain, the partners hope to foster a low-carbon society by curbing greenhouse gas emissions from raw material procurement and production processes.
With a keen eye on sustainability, Japan Airlines aims to lead the charge in promoting domestically produced SAF. The airline has set an ambitious target of replacing 10% of its onboard fuel with SAF by 2030. Through close collaboration with stakeholders and SAF suppliers, JAL envisions bolstering the construction of a robust supply chain network.
Moreover, Airbus has committed to supporting the certification process for the project’s domestic woody biomass under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). This strategic move aligns with the industry's overarching goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
As the world collectively moves towards greener aviation practices, partnerships like ‘Morisora’ serve as a testament to industry players' commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. Through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, the aviation sector is set to soar to new heights in environmental stewardship.
