On April 23, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) hosted a ceremony debuting Sustainable Aviation Fuel(SAF) , and marking a start of using SAF in Taiwan. Today (October 21), China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based carrier, actively committed to achieving net zero emissions, participated for the fourth time in the SkyTeam “The Aviation Challenge” (TAC), operating flights CI831/CI832 between Taipei Taoyuan and Bangkok with its next-generation, fuel-efficient A350-900 aircraft. A core theme of “IMPACT” was chosen for the translation of sustainable ideals into real-world action. China Airlines reached a new milestone by fueling the outbound CI831 flight with 40% SAF—the highest ratio for its TAC demonstration flights. Partnering with CPC Corporation, Taiwan (CPC), China Airlines also introduced low-carbon vegetarian meals and air-to-ground decarbonization measures, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in leading Taiwan’s aviation industry into a sustainable new era.

Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration : CPC Fully Supports 40% SAF Blend

China Airlines is a long-time promoter of SAF use. This year, flight CI831 from Taoyuan to Bangkok was fueled with 40% SAF, a new record for TAC demonstration flights. CPC fully supported the 7.7 metric tons of SAF uplifted for the flight, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan’s SAF development and highlighting strong corporate collaboration. For the return flight CI832 Bangkok–Taipei, CI832 Bangkok–Taipei, China Airlines sourced SAF from Thailand’s PTTOR, showcasing international supply chain cooperation. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF can reduce carbon emissions by about 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. China Airlines will continue to normalize SAF use and boost the impact of collaborations across industry, government, and academia.

Michelin Green-Starred Vegetarian Cuisine and Thai Favorites Onboard

To align with the flight’s low-carbon philosophy, China Airlines partnered with Michelin Green-Star restaurant “Little Tree Food” to serve plant-based cuisine made from local Taiwanese ingredients on the outbound Taoyuan-Bangkok flight. The initiative not only helps lower inflight carbon emissions but also promotes a healthy, sustainable dining culture—making low-carbon vegetarian meals part of everyday travel. On the return flight, passengers enjoyed a creative twist on a Thai classic: Thai Basil Plant-Based Mince with Jasmine Rice and Fried Egg. Despite its similarity to Thai Stir-fried Pork, the dish was completely comprised of plant-based protein, and served with a poached egg and refreshing cucumber slices as the sides. Sweet Pandan Coconut Jelly, a Thai national dish, was served as the dessert along with seasonal fruit. China Airlines continues to select local ingredients and re-interpreting them in original ways to craft a novel plant-based culinary experience for travelers.

In-flight Amenities Reflect Commitment to Sustainability : Environmental Care in Every Detail

This TAC flight also highlighted sustainability through cabin and catering products. Initiatives included e-Menu across all classes, stainless steel cutlery in Economy Class, and the use of rPET materials for tray lids, cups, pillow covers, headrest covers, and lavatory containers. FSC-certified paper cups and biodegradable floss picks were also introduced, while blankets were wrapped with paper bands instead of plastic. Each passenger also received an eco-friendly cork pen,underscoring the airline’s commitment to sustainability in every detail.

Beyond the cabin, China Airlines continues to embed carbon reduction measures into daily operations. For ground operations, electric tractors and an electronic cargo-handling system were deployed to reduce carbon emissions and paper consumption. Cargo operations adopted electronic workflows and recycled-material tarpaulins to reduce waste. In the air, low-carbon vegetarian options were promoted alongside Cloud Reading, an inflight digital e-library offering a wide range of newspapers and magazines, saving over 3,300 tons in aircraft weight since its 2022 launch. Passengers are also invited to participate in the ECO TRAVEL voluntary carbon offset program, joining China Airlines in practicing low-carbon travel.

Since 2022, SkyTeam has organized “The Aviation Challenge” as a friendly competition encouraging member airlines to adopt sustainable practices. This year, 23 airlines participated, presenting creativity and innovation in areas such as fuel efficiency, material selection, and single use plastic reduction in catering. By sharing best practices, member airlines amplify their collective impact in protecting the planet. China Airlines has long supported ESG initiatives and the airline’s commitment to net zero has yielded strong results in environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance. These included being listed in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for eight consecutive years and being ranked in the top 5% of the global airline industry in sustainably leadership. China Airlines’ actions have set an example for the airline industry on realizing a cleanable and more resilient future. (2025/10/21)

Remarks:

1. The Dynasty Sky Reading service went live in March 2022. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of physical magazines and newspapers were carried aboard flights each year before the service was launched.

2. SkyTeam The Aviation Challenge : https://www.skyteam.com/en/sustainability/theaviationchallenge

3. IATA SAF Reference - What is SAF ? https://www.iata.org/en/programs/sustainability/sustainable-aviation-fuels/