[The Hwankyung Ilbo] In 2017, Korean national airlines made efforts to cut air pollutant emissions while operating international air routes, resulting in a reduction of about 450,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the government and national airlines have signed voluntary agreements to reduce greenhouse gases in the aviation sector since 2010 and have been responding to climate change and greenhouse gas emission regulations at home and abroad.

Under the agreement, the airlines have tried to increase fuel efficiency by introducing fuel-efficient aircrafts, cleaning the engine periodically, and lowering engine power during ground movements. The government has also made continuous efforts to expand the infrastructure to support economical flights.

According to a research conducted to review the performance of national airlines to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the fuel efficiency improved by 3.8% from 2016, which is equal to a reduction of 140,000 tons of aviation oil and a reduction of 450,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it would continue to encourage airlines to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through various systems and supports.

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