Korean Air agrees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

South Korea’s flagship carrier Korean Air has agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by improving the fuel efficiency of its aircrafts. Apart from Korean Air, other airlines in South Korea have also unanimously agreed to significantly cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement by the South Korean airlines was signed recently with the Transport Ministry. Media reports said that the seven carriers in South Korea would aim at improving the fuel efficiency of their aircrafts by over 2 percent. The reports further said that the government on its part has assured the participating airlines that it would take care of their interests and would give the airlines additional benefits whenever they apply for the new routes.

Apart from Korean Air, the other carriers in South Korea include Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Busan Air, Jin Air, Eastar Jet and T'way Air. Media reports said that the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by the seven airlines is expected to reach 22 million tons in 2020, up from 17 million tons in 2010.

Meanwhile, an industry report said that Korean Air has earned more than $7.46 billion (800 million won) in ancillary revenue in 2012. With the latest report, South Korea’s flagship carrier and largest airline in the country now ranks 10th worldwide in the field. Korean Air has for the first time joined the global top-10 earners of airline ancillary revenue. Last year, Korean Air transported 24.28 million passengers, thus earning $30.94 per passenger in ancillary revenue.