China Airlines wins SkyTeam SAF award

Taiwan-based China Airlines has once again received high recognition at the 4th SkyTeam Aviation Challenge (TAC), winning the “Organizational Transformation Award – Transformational Impact through SAF” with its first-ever demonstration flight in Taiwan using a 40% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as well as contributions to the transformation of local and international organisations and industry value chains. China Airlines was also shortlisted for the Pioneer of The Year and Team of The Year awards for their strong, innovative initiatives. The nominations not only demonstrated the airline’s leadership in the promotion of sustainable innovation but also showed the world the sustainable competitiveness of the Taiwanese airline industry. More than 80 flights from 22 airlines around the world took part in the TAC this year making it the largest challenge so far. The event focused on sustainable initiatives such as route optimization, maintenance improvement, weight reduction, and SAF applications, encouraging partner airlines to share best practices and jointly promote greener aviation. The China Airlines demonstration flights were flight CI831 and CI832 between Taoyuan and Bangkok operated by the A350-900. For the outbound flight from Taiwan, China Airlines partnered with CPC Corporation, Taiwan (CPC) to promote local SAF applications. For the return flight, SAF was purchased from PTTOR, the Thai fuel supplier, in a demonstration of transnational communication, negotiation and collaboration in the supply chain. Michelin Green Star plant-based meals and a variety of eco-friendly in-flight amenities were introduced, ensuring carbon reduction was implemented from fuel to onboard services, and highlighting Taiwan’s refined vegetarian and gourmet culture. China Airlines was also honoured the Sustainable Development Award by the Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration, MOTC (CAA) for its pioneering use of SAF on flight CI839 from Kaohsiung to Bangkok and flight CI220 from Songshan to Haneda in April 2025. The flights set a new record for SAF use by a Taiwan-based carrier in the Taiwan SAF pilot trial. The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation also presented China Airlines with an award of excellence in the corporate category in its 2025 Airport Partner Sustainability Action Competition in addition to making continued progress on climate change mitigation efforts, other initiatives including strengthening the fleet’s overall adaptation to extreme weather, establishing a climate early warning system, introducing 18 reduction projects for disposable plastic amenity supplies and packaging, and transitioning to electronic operations all won the praise and support of the judges. China Airlines’ achievements in sustainable development have been internationally recognised. In 2025, the airline was selected for the seventh consecutive time as a constituent stock of the FTSE4Good TIP Taiwan ESG Index, demonstrating strong competitiveness in sustainability governance and finance. China Airlines will continue to deepen cross-industry collaboration and operational application of SAF, working with industry, government, and academia to lead Taiwan’s airline industry toward a net-zero future. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]