Japan Airlines Partners with Airbus for Wood-Based SAF

Japan Airlines Partners with Airbus to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Domestic Wood

Japan Airlines (JAL) is taking a significant step towards sustainability by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus, Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation, and Green Earth Institute (GEI). This strategic collaboration aims to explore the sourcing of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) derived from domestic Japanese wood. As the aviation industry increasingly focuses on reducing carbon emissions, JAL’s initiative positions itself at the forefront of this movement.

In February 2025, Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation, and GEI initiated a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to create a joint venture focused on manufacturing and selling bioethanol from wood biomass. With JAL and Airbus now officially on board, the project, named "Morisora," aims to promote the development and use of domestic SAF. This collaboration will foster connections between businesses involved in SAF supply and demand, paving the way for a greener aviation industry.

Key Goals of the Collaboration

Under the MoU, the five companies have outlined several key objectives to contribute to a low-carbon society:

• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Focus on minimizing emissions during raw material procurement and production.
• Produce Domestic Wood-Based Bioethanol: Create bioethanol with a low lifecycle assessment (LCA) that adheres to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
• Promote SAF Usage: JAL aims to replace 10% of its onboard fuel with SAF by 2030, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.

Building a Sustainable Supply Chain

By connecting SAF suppliers with stakeholders involved in production, JAL is set to advance the construction of a robust supply chain. Airbus will play a crucial role in supporting the certification process for the domestic woody biomass associated with this project. Together, they aim to meet the broader industry target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Conclusion

Japan Airlines’ initiative to source Sustainable Aviation Fuel from domestic wood marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of eco-friendly aviation solutions. As the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, collaborations like this are vital for fostering innovation and sustainability in air travel.

Are you interested in learning more about sustainable aviation efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments and check out our related articles on the future of green aviation and the impact of SAF in the industry.

For further reading on aviation sustainability, visit IATA’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Guide or explore Airbus’s commitment to reducing emissions.