China Airlines Leads Green Aviation Shift With Record SAF Use on Long-Haul Amsterdam Route

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China Airlines has taken another step to leading in sustainability by participating in SkyTeam’s The Aviation Challenge (TAC) for the fifth year in a row. As one of its largest initiatives in sustainability, China Airlines selected the CI073 route from Taipei to Amsterdam for the duration of the TAC initiative, starting September 13, 2022. This is the first time that this route has been selected as a demonstration flight and is a significant step for the airline to implement its carbon reduction strategy and its proactive efforts in developing more eco-friendly travel routes. The efforts are considered the most innovative within the industry and are designed on a large scale to quickly move the industry toward zero emissions travel.

The demonstration flight featured SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) environmental attributes equivalent to 40% of total fuel consumption, representing China Airlines’ largest SAF application on a long-haul route. Alongside SAF adoption, the airline introduced low-carbon plant-based meals, lighter onboard products and additional carbon reduction measures across both flight operations and ground services, highlighting its ongoing commitment to sustainable aviation and the industry’s transition towards net zero emissions.

China Airlines and CTBC Bank Expand SAF Partnership for Record Carbon Reduction Effort

China Airlines is advancing sustainable aviation through stronger cooperation with corporate partners and supply chain stakeholders under the theme of SkyTeam’s 2026 The Aviation Challenge, “Collective Momentum.” The initiative focuses on collaboration between airlines, businesses and industry partners to accelerate progress towards global climate goals.

For the latest TAC demonstration flight, China Airlines expanded its sustainability efforts from regional operations to a long-haul international route. The airline renewed its partnership with CTBC Bank, its co-branded credit card partner, following their previous collaboration in 2024 when both organisations supported the use of 20% SAF on regional flights.

Through the Book and Claim system, SAF environmental attributes equivalent to 40% of the Taipei-Amsterdam flight’s fuel consumption were allocated to the demonstration operation. The initiative represented 36.3 tonnes of SAF, making it China Airlines’ largest SAF deployment under The Aviation Challenge programme.

Since beginning participation in TAC in 2022, China Airlines has operated eight demonstration flights, achieving cumulative carbon reductions of at least 600 tonnes. These projects reflect the airline’s long-term strategy to integrate sustainable solutions into commercial aviation operations while supporting the industry’s pathway towards net zero emissions by 2050.

China Airlines has continued expanding SAF adoption through multiple operational initiatives, including SAF use during aircraft delivery flights, passenger services and cargo operations. The airline has also worked with corporate customers to increase demand for low-carbon aviation solutions, strengthening its position as a leading SAF supporter in Taiwan’s aviation sector.

The airline has focused SAF promotion efforts across major international markets, including Europe, the Americas and Asia, while incorporating carbon reduction measures into daily operations and passenger services. By working with corporate partners, suppliers and travellers, China Airlines aims to create a wider sustainability ecosystem that supports aviation’s long-term environmental transformation.

CTBC Bank has also increased its support for sustainable finance and aviation decarbonisation. As the exclusive sponsor of China Airlines’ SAF demonstration flight, the bank continues to encourage investment in green initiatives and low-carbon industries. The partnership demonstrates how financial institutions and aviation companies can work together to support sustainability goals and carbon reduction projects.

China Airlines Introduces Lightweight Tableware and Sustainable Inflight Experiences

Beyond SAF adoption, China Airlines is expanding sustainability efforts throughout the passenger experience with new environmentally friendly products and services. In September, the airline introduced newly designed tableware in Premium Business Class on selected routes, including Frankfurt, Prague and Oceania services.

Passengers travelling on the Taipei-Amsterdam TAC demonstration flight also experienced the new tableware collection, designed around the theme “Discover China Airlines in the Mountain Forests.” The concept combines traditional design elements with modern sustainability principles by using lightweight ceramic materials and improved functionality.

The redesigned tableware reduces overall weight by 27%, helping lower aircraft fuel consumption and operational emissions. The initiative also includes carbonised bamboo chopsticks, meal covers made from 100% recycled PET (rPET) materials and FSC-certified paper products, reducing resource usage while maintaining a premium onboard dining experience.

China Airlines has also introduced sustainable dining options by serving plant-based meals created in partnership with Little Tree Food, a Michelin Green Star restaurant. These low-carbon meals were available across all cabin classes on the TAC demonstration flight, encouraging travellers to make more environmentally responsible dining choices during their journeys.

The airline further enhanced its sustainable passenger services through a new travel kit developed with FRAMA, a Copenhagen-based design brand. The kit includes environmentally conscious beauty products and toiletries packaged in recycled PET bottles, combining sustainable design with passenger comfort.

China Airlines continues to promote digital solutions designed to reduce material consumption, including Lite Travel Membership, electronic menus across all cabin classes and Dynasty Sky Reading digital services. Since its introduction, Dynasty Sky Reading has reduced the amount of physical reading materials carried onboard aircraft by more than 4,300 tonnes, contributing to lower fuel use and reduced emissions.

China Airlines Strengthens Global ESG Recognition Through Sustainability Innovation

China Airlines’ sustainability efforts continue to receive recognition from both domestic and international organisations. The airline has been selected as a constituent member of the FTSE4Good TIP Taiwan ESG Index eight times and achieved a ranking among the top performers in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook.

The airline has also received recognition from Taiwan’s aviation and sustainability organisations, including awards from the Civil Aviation Administration and honours at the Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards, where it received a gold award in the Environmental category and a bronze award in the Social category.

Within SkyTeam’s The Aviation Challenge programme, China Airlines has also gained international recognition for its sustainability initiatives. Previous achievements include awards for transformational SAF impact, future-focused sustainability strategies, inflight supply chain improvements, sustainable cargo solutions, innovative environmental practices and employee engagement.

Through continued investment in SAF, sustainable onboard experiences, digital innovation and industry partnerships, China Airlines is positioning sustainability as a core element of its future growth strategy. The airline’s latest TAC demonstration flight highlights how aviation companies can combine technology, collaboration and operational improvements to accelerate progress towards a lower-carbon future.