Japan Airlines, in collaboration with ITOCHU Corporation, ENEOS Corporation, NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, Mizuho Bank, Mizuho Research & Technologies, and Narita International Airport Corporation, has completed the first phase of a major initiative aimed at promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through trading of environmental value linked to indirect emissions (Scope 3).
The project, which began in August 2024, tested a new trading platform over eight months at Narita Airport. During this period, participating companies entered trading data, matched terms, signed agreements, and carried out verified transactions. The process was independently evaluated by ClassNK, which confirmed the platform’s transparency and effectiveness.
“This test, conducted with six other companies, has reaffirmed our belief that environmental value trading can play a key role in reducing carbon emissions from aviation,” said Mitsuko Tottori, President and Group CEO of Japan Airlines. “We plan to continue working with our partners to help expand awareness and encourage wider use.”
Keita Ishii, President and COO of ITOCHU, also highlighted the importance of the project. “Seeing the effectiveness of this system through the trial is an important milestone. We’ll keep working with others to build a more sustainable economy,” he said.
ENEOS, which oversaw the full process from procuring to selling SAF, noted the practical value of the initiative. “We will keep supporting the use of SAF and Scope 3 environmental benefits as part of efforts to cut emissions in the aviation sector,” said company President Atsuji Yamaguchi.
ClassNK, the third-party evaluator, also pointed to the platform’s promise. “Trading the environmental value of Scope 3 emissions is a powerful way to encourage wider adoption of SAF,” said Hayato Suga, President and CEO.
With Phase 1 complete, the next stage of the project will bring in more participants, raise awareness of Scope 3 environmental value, and work toward the platform’s broader use across industries. The long-term goal is to create a future-focused aviation network that supports both sustainability and cooperation across sectors.
