China on Thursday initiated a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program in several airports to promote a green and low-carbon transition in the aviation sector.
The program involves China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Air China.
Starting Friday, 12 flights taking off from Beijing Daxing International Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, and Ningbo Lishe International Airport, began using SAF.
At 7:19, a flight refueled with SAF departed from Shuangliu airport and landed safely at Beijing Capital International Airport after a 130-minute journey, marking the first commercial flight using SAF.
"Judging from today's flight conditions, the engine performed well, the fuel consumption was comparable to that of traditional aviation fuel, and the entire flight was smooth," said Tang Zheng, a pilot from Air China's Southwest Branch.
The first phase of the program will run from September to December 2024, before a second phase throughout 2025, during which the number of participants will gradually increase.
SAF is a liquid aviation fuel alternative to traditional jet fuel that meets airworthiness standards and sustainability evaluation standards. Made from renewable materials, it can reduce carbon emissions by about 70 percent over the fuel's life cycle compared to conventional jet fuel.
Approximately 99 percent of the carbon emissions from the civil aviation industry are linked to fuel consumption during flights.
"Sustainable aviation fuel is a true green energy that can cut carbon emissions by over 70 percent over its life cycle. If produced from biomass raw materials, it can reduce emissions by over 85 percent or even achieve zero carbon or negative carbon emissions," said Yang Xiaojun, a researcher at the institute of environment and sustainable development of the Civil Aviation University of China.
Compared with traditional fossil-based jet fuel, SAF has similar energy density and volume density, allowing it to be used directly in the aviation sector without modifications to existing civil aviation infrastructure or aircraft. It is characterized by high safety, advanced technology and significant emission reduction.
China starts sustainable aviation fuel pilot
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
