A China Eastern Airlines C919 jet powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) took off at 5:16 p.m. on Thursday from Beijing and landed in Shanghai at 7:01 p.m., marking the first commercial flight of the C919 using SAF.

Sustainable aviation fuel is a renewable energy source made from sustainable resources or waste materials. It significantly reduces carbon emissions across its lifecycle while being fully compatible with existing aircraft and aviation infrastructure, making it a key solution for decarbonizing the aviation industry.

On Wednesday, the National Development and Reform Commission, along with the Civil Aviation Administration of China, launched a pilot program for the use of SAF in Beijing. Starting on September 19, 12 flights operated by Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, departing from Beijing Daxing International Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport and Ningbo Lishe International Airport, have been officially fueled with SAF.

The development of SAF is a practical approach for China’s civil aviation sector to actively support the nation’s carbon peaking and neutrality goals while advancing a comprehensive green transformation. It also represents a strategic effort to boost the industry’s growth and secure a competitive edge for the future.

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