JAL, Airbus, and Partners Unite to Propel Domestic Bioethanol-Based SAF for a Greener Aviation Future

(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines, Airbus, Nippon Paper Industries, Sumitomo Corporation, and Green Earth Institute have signed an MOU to collaborate on producing sustainable aviation fuel from bioethanol derived from domestic wood. This project builds on the MORISORA Project, initiated in 2023 by Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation, and GEI, with a joint venture established in 2025 to manufacture and sell wood-based bioethanol. Now joined by JAL and Airbus, the consortium aims to promote domestic SAF usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a circular economy approach of “cutting, using, planting, and growing” trees, and meet strict LCA and CORSIA standards. JAL intends to replace 10% of its onboard fuel with SAF by 2030 by building a strong supply chain, while Airbus will support the certification process for domestic woody biomass, contributing to the industry’s net-zero target by 2050. Together, the partners will leverage their expertise to produce eco-friendly fuel, decarbonize aviation, and revitalize local communities.

(PRESS RELEASE) Tokyo, Japan, 2025-Mar-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Japan Airlines (JAL), Airbus, Nippon Paper Industries, Sumitomo Corporation, and the Green Earth Institute (GEI) have come together by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to drive forward the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from bioethanol made out of domestic wood. This collaborative initiative builds on the momentum of the “MORISORA Project,” which was originally launched in February 2023 by Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation, and GEI, and saw further expansion in February 2025 with the establishment of a joint venture dedicated to manufacturing and marketing wood biomass-based bioethanol.

With JAL and Airbus now joining the project, the consortium is set to boost the adoption and expansion of domestic SAF by uniting efforts across the entire supply chain—from raw material sourcing to end-use applications. The partnership aims to pave the way toward a low-carbon society by reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the production process. In doing so, they will produce domestic wood-based bioethanol that meets strict Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) criteria and complies with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

This integrated approach is anchored in the principles of a circular economy, where the cycle of “cutting, using, planting, and growing” trees underpins the project, thereby fostering regional revitalization and creating job opportunities. JAL has set an ambitious goal to replace 10% of all onboard fuel with SAF by 2030, and through this partnership, it will connect suppliers with stakeholders across the production network, accelerating the development of a robust supply chain. Airbus, for its part, will lend its expertise in obtaining CORSIA certification for the domestic woody biomass used in the project, thereby contributing to the broader industry target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Together, these five companies will leverage their distinct strengths to produce and promote SAF derived from bioethanol using locally sourced wood. Their joint efforts aim not only to decarbonize the aviation sector but also to reinvigorate local communities through resource circulation, ultimately forging a path toward a more sustainable future.

Media Contact: 

mediarelations.hdq@jal.com

Source: Japan Airlines

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