China on Thursday initiated a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program in several airports to promote a green and low-carbon transition in the aviation sector.
The program involves China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Air China.
Starting Friday, 12 flights taking off from Beijing Daxing International Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, and Ningbo Lishe International Airport, began using SAF.
At 7:19, a flight refueled with SAF departed from Shuangliu airport and landed safely at Beijing Capital International Airport after a 130-minute journey, marking the first commercial flight using SAF.
"Judging from today's flight conditions, the engine performed well, the fuel consumption was comparable to that of traditional aviation fuel, and the entire flight was smooth," said Tang Zheng, a pilot from Air China's Southwest Branch.
The first phase of the program will run from September to December 2024, before a second phase throughout 2025, during which the number of participants will gradually increase.
SAF is a liquid aviation fuel alternative to traditional jet fuel that meets airworthiness standards and sustainability evaluation standards. Made from renewable materials, it can reduce carbon emissions by about 70 percent over the fuel's life cycle compared to conventional jet fuel.
Approximately 99 percent of the carbon emissions from the civil aviation industry are linked to fuel consumption during flights.
"Sustainable aviation fuel is a true green energy that can cut carbon emissions by over 70 percent over its life cycle. If produced from biomass raw materials, it can reduce emissions by over 85 percent or even achieve zero carbon or negative carbon emissions," said Yang Xiaojun, a researcher at the institute of environment and sustainable development of the Civil Aviation University of China.
Compared with traditional fossil-based jet fuel, SAF has similar energy density and volume density, allowing it to be used directly in the aviation sector without modifications to existing civil aviation infrastructure or aircraft. It is characterized by high safety, advanced technology and significant emission reduction.
China starts sustainable aviation fuel pilot
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called for an immediate, complete and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a telephone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Wang also called for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Wang said that the international community is deeply worried about the prolonged escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Noting that all lives are equally precious, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, Wang said that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza must end and that countering violence with violence cannot truly address the legitimate concerns of all parties.
Pointing out that the conflict in Gaza has once again demonstrated that the Palestinian question remains a core issue in the Middle East, Wang said the voices of the international community are clear, which hope all parties return to the political path of a "two-state solution" as soon as possible. Doing so would realize the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine and the harmonious coexistence of the Jewish and Arab peoples. This is the right way to achieve stability and lasting security for all parties, including Israel, Wang said.
Wang said that China is highly concerned about the tension between Israel and Iran and believes that renewed conflict and turmoil in the region serves the interests of no one. Wang stated that China urges all parties to proceed with caution to prevent falling into a vicious circle. He said China is not self-interested in the Middle East and never engages in geopolitical contest. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has always stood on the side of peace, international law and truth and will continue to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation and restoring peace in the region, Wang said.
Wang stressed that United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is mandated by Security Council resolutions to carry out peacekeeping missions, adding that the Israeli side should take concrete measures to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-Israel relations. Katz said that developing relations with China is an established policy in Israel and serves the common interests of the two countries, adding that the Israeli government abides by its consistent position on the Taiwan question.
Wang said that China maintains continuity and stability in its policy toward Israel and is willing to resume exchanges in all aspects as soon as possible when the situation eases and promote the sustainable development of the innovative comprehensive partnership between the two countries.
Wang said he hopes the Israeli side will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and nationals in Israel.
Chinese FM calls for complete, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages
