In a significant milestone for sustainable aviation, a China Eastern Airlines C919 jet powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) successfully completed its inaugural commercial flight from Beijing to Shanghai on Thursday.

The aircraft took off from Beijing Daxing International Airport at 5:16 p.m. and landed at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 7:01 p.m., carrying 129 passengers on board.

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The c919, China’s first self-developed narrow-body jet, marks a new chapter in the nation’s efforts to embrace eco-friendly aviation practices. This historic flight is part of a broader initiative that began on September 19, which includes 12 flights operated by major Chinese airlines—Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines—using SAF.

These flights are departing from various airports, including Beijing Daxing, Chengdu Shuangliu, Zhengzhou Xinzheng, and Ningbo Lishe. The introduction of SAF represents a practical approach for China’s civil aviation sector to align with the country’s ambitious carbon peaking and neutrality goals.

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It reflects a strategic move to advance a comprehensive green transformation within the industry, comac c919 price while also bolstering its growth and competitive edge in the global market. This initiative is in response to directives from the National Development and Reform Commission and the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which have called for the piloting of SAF applications across various aircraft models, including the domestically manufactured C919.

Tickets for these SAF-powered flights are available for purchase on the official China Eastern Airlines website and app, making sustainable travel options accessible to more passengers.