Taipei: China Airlines has completed a showcase flight from Taipei to Amsterdam using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) equivalent to 40% of the flight’s fuel consumption as part of its fifth participation in the SkyTeam Aviation Challenge, Taipei Times reported.
The airline said the flight marked the first time it had used SAF at such a high proportion on a long-haul service. During last year’s Aviation Challenge, China Airlines used SAF equivalent to 40% of fuel consumption on a regional flight to Bangkok.
For the Amsterdam service, the airline used a “book and claim” model to increase its SAF usage. The initiative was estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 93.2 tonnes, equivalent to about one-quarter of the amount of carbon absorbed annually by Taipei’s Daan Park.
China Airlines president Kevin Chen said the airline has operated eight flights using SAF since 2022, resulting in a cumulative reduction of at least 600 tonnes of carbon emissions.
“The use of SAF on flights is key to helping the aviation industry transition toward net zero carbon emissions,” Chen said, adding that the airline plans to expand SAF use on flights to Europe, North America and Asia while integrating low-carbon measures into its operations and passenger services.
The Taipei-Amsterdam flight also incorporated several measures aimed at reducing its environmental impact.
China Airlines used premium business-class tableware that is 30% lighter than previous versions, helping reduce fuel consumption. The business-class menu and wine list were printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.
Passengers were encouraged to complete online check-in and use mobile boarding passes rather than printed copies. The airline also sent messages to members encouraging them to preorder meals before boarding. According to Chen, the practice helps the airline understand passenger preferences while reducing food waste and the fuel needed to carry excess meals.
Plant-based gourmet meals developed by Taipei-based Michelin Green Star restaurant Little Tree Food were served across all classes on the flight.
The airline also introduced new Marc Jacobs cobranded travel kits featuring sustainable beauty products and toiletries developed in collaboration with Copenhagen-based design brand FRAMA.
China Airlines said its Dynasty Sky Reading service has reduced the amount of reading material carried on flights by more than 4,300 tonnes since its introduction.
Meanwhile, the airline expects to receive two Boeing 787-9 aircraft by the end of this year. The aircraft are expected to reduce fuel consumption by 20% and noise levels by 30%.
China Airlines aims to have a total of 14 Boeing 787-9 aircraft delivered by the end of next year.
The Taipei-Amsterdam showcase flight was exclusively sponsored by CTBC Bank, which had also sponsored China Airlines’ participation in the Aviation Challenge in 2024.
