Neste, ITOCHU, and GS Caltex make first batch of CORSIA-certified SAF available in Japan

In a landmark collaboration, Neste, ITOCHU, and GS Caltex have made the first batch of CORSIA-certified sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available for purchase in Japan. The fuel, which meets the International Civil Aviation Organization’s CORSIA emissions reduction standards, is now being offered at Narita International Airport. This marks a significant milestone as Japan moves towards more sustainable aviation practices ahead of the 2027 CORSIA mandate.

The blended SAF, which originated in South Korea, was shipped from GS Caltex’s Yeosu refinery to Japan for distribution through ITOCHU’s supply chain network. The fuel is set to be used by All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), marking a major step in the country’s push for decarbonising aviation.

“This milestone shows how we are working together with partners like ITOCHU and GS Caltex as well as local governments to develop the supply chains for SAF to make the fuel even more readily available in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. We are looking forward to further expanding our cooperation with our partners to increase our supply of SAF to airlines,” said Alexander Knaap, vice president of Renewable Aviation Business at Neste.

“In collaboration with Neste and GS Caltex – our trusted partners – we have successfully established a groundbreaking supply chain for the delivery of CORSIA Eligible Fuel to airports in Japan. We firmly believe that this initiative will significantly contribute to resolving the aviation fuel shortage in Japan,” said Tetsuya Yamada, executive officer, chief operating officer, Energy Division at ITOCHU Corporation.

“This is a great example of working together to help achieve aviation’s net-zero carbon emissions goal, where Neste, ITOCHU and GS Caltex have built a new value chain based on their respective expertise, with active support from the Korean and Japanese governments,” said S. H. Lee, executive vice president, head of Supply & Trading Business Unit at GS Caltex.

As the aviation industry strives to cut carbon emissions, SAF has emerged as one of the most viable solutions for airlines seeking to meet stringent environmental targets. Neste has been a global leader in developing and supplying sustainable fuels, while ITOCHU and GS Caltex have provided critical infrastructure to ensure this landmark shipment’s success.