#Japan #Tokyo #oneworld #Japan Airlines #SAF Fund

Japan Airlines' Commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development

Japan Airlines (JAL) has made a significant announcement regarding its commitment to sustainability in aviation. On September 18, 2025, JAL decided to invest in the oneworld Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) Fund, joining forces with other member airlines of the oneworld alliance and partner companies to accelerate the development of next-generation Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

This initiative aims to facilitate the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in alignment with JAL’s goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The oneworld BEV Fund is intended to invest in innovative and cost-competitive SAF technologies, crucial for expanding the future aviation fuel market. In this joint venture, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have taken a leading role, alongside other members like International Airlines Group (IAG) and Cathay Pacific, to collaboratively build an effective SAF supply chain.

Background of the Investment

As the aviation sector seeks ways to decarbonize, the use of SAF becomes increasingly essential. However, the current landscape poses challenges such as limited supply and high costs, making stable implementation difficult. There is an urgent need for the development and promotion of next-generation SAF technologies, yet investment shortages hinder progress in manufacturing SAF.

Recognizing this shared challenge, the oneworld alliance has established the oneworld BEV Fund to encourage investment in SAF innovation. JAL’s participation in this fund aligns with its corporate goals: replacing 10% of all fuel with SAF by 2030 and achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Through this investment, JAL aims to contribute to a sustainable future for the aviation industry by pioneering developing and manufacturing next-generation SAF.

Statement from Japan Airlines President

Mitsuko Toritani, President of Japan Airlines, emphasized the importance of sustainable aviation. She stated, "For Japan, a nation of islands, our connections through global aviation transport are essential. We view it as our mission to make air transport sustainable. Together with our oneworld allies, we strive to advance SAF technology and utilization, incorporating unique Asian resources and innovations toward our shared goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050."

About Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV)

Breakthrough Energy Ventures was founded in 2015 by Bill Gates as a fund to support companies that develop innovative clean energy solutions. In alignment with the Paris Agreement, BEV aims to invest in over 110 companies that facilitate decarbonization through technologies like direct air capture (DAC) and carbon storage. This endeavor is crucial in addressing climate change and transitioning toward sustainable energy practices globally.

For more information, visit the Breakthrough Energy Ventures website.

Understanding SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) includes biojet fuels and is produced from feedstocks such as waste cooking oil and biomass fuels like sugarcane, as well as urban waste. SAF can be used without modification to aircraft or refueling equipment, and it helps reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 60-80%. For detailed information, refer to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's SAF promotion guide.