Taiwan-based China Airlines (CAL) marked United Nations Aviation Day on 22 October by flying a Taoyuan–Bangkok round trip that the carrier says achieved “net-zero carbon emissions.” Flight CI831 used a 40 % blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)—the highest ratio yet for any Chinese-branded airline—saving an estimated 20 tonnes of CO₂. Remaining emissions were offset via an externally verified programme.
Since April, SAF has been available at Taiwan’s major airports, enabling CAL to join SkyTeam’s annual eco-challenge for the fourth time. Onboard, the airline swapped plastic for recycled PET in meal lids, introduced digital menus, and served plant-based Thai cuisine in partnership with Michelin Green-Star restaurant Little Tree Food.
Although primarily a sustainability milestone, the flight has mobility ramifications: it signals CAL’s readiness to meet forthcoming EU and mainland China SAF mandates that will affect any corporate travel programme with a China leg. Multinationals sourcing SAF credits can now draw on an Asia-Pacific supplier base, including Taiwan’s CPC Corp and Thailand’s PTT OR, both involved in the demonstration.
From a policy perspective, the run positions Chinese carriers—on both sides of the Strait—to influence ICAO negotiations on SAF quotas and to press for mutual recognition of carbon offset schemes, potentially reducing administrative friction for corporate travel managers.
Travel teams should update carbon-reporting dashboards to capture SAF utilisation and communicate the option to executives flying the busy Taipei–Bangkok corridor, which supports many regional headquarters and manufacturing operations.
Since April, SAF has been available at Taiwan’s major airports, enabling CAL to join SkyTeam’s annual eco-challenge for the fourth time. Onboard, the airline swapped plastic for recycled PET in meal lids, introduced digital menus, and served plant-based Thai cuisine in partnership with Michelin Green-Star restaurant Little Tree Food.
Although primarily a sustainability milestone, the flight has mobility ramifications: it signals CAL’s readiness to meet forthcoming EU and mainland China SAF mandates that will affect any corporate travel programme with a China leg. Multinationals sourcing SAF credits can now draw on an Asia-Pacific supplier base, including Taiwan’s CPC Corp and Thailand’s PTT OR, both involved in the demonstration.
From a policy perspective, the run positions Chinese carriers—on both sides of the Strait—to influence ICAO negotiations on SAF quotas and to press for mutual recognition of carbon offset schemes, potentially reducing administrative friction for corporate travel managers.
Travel teams should update carbon-reporting dashboards to capture SAF utilisation and communicate the option to executives flying the busy Taipei–Bangkok corridor, which supports many regional headquarters and manufacturing operations.
