As a key driver of low-carbon transformation in aviation, China Eastern Air Holding Co., Ltd. (China Eastern) has made notable progress in the application of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company is now actively participating in pilot programs for domestically produced SAF.
SAF is an alternative aviation fuel made from renewable resources such as waste animal and plant oils, used cooking oil, energy crops, municipal solid waste, agricultural and forestry residues, and even industrial off-gases. These materials — often considered waste — can be transformed into clean energy that powers aircraft.
Compared with conventional jet fuel, SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 85 percent. Its physical and chemical properties are nearly identical to traditional fuels, making it safe to mix with conventional fuel in aircraft tanks. As a result, SAF can be rapidly adopted by the aviation industry and is widely regarded as the most promising green energy substitute. (....)