After the release of Peking University’s study to advance sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development in China, Cathay Pacific has announced their support in these findings, and suggest recommendations that will benefit the global aviation industry as a whole.
The Contents of the Study
In late 2025, Peking University’s National School of Development published a research study titled ‘Igniting the SAF Market: Policy Pathways for Scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel in China’. Through an in-depth analysis, actionable insights were offered alongside a multi-pronged approach.
From policy integration to expanding international market access, the study looks at scaling SAF adoption on both supply and demand fronts. For example, SAF produced locally may achieve price parity with conventional jet fuel if there is proper and appropriate policy support.
The released study goes into further detail on its findings and recommendations for advancing China’s SAF ecosystem development.
Cathay Pacific’s Response
SAF development has been key to Cathay for an extended time, being one of the earliest airlines to uplift Chinese-made SAF products. At Hong Kong International Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol, and London Heathrow, Cathay utilised SAF in their planes. As found on the SAF procured by the Cathay Group in 2024, SAF can reduce around 80% of carbon emissions on a lifecycle basis.
Grace Cheung, Cathay’s General Manager of Sustainability, commented:
“This study by Peking University is encouraging, as it demonstrates the long-term potential for cost parity between SAF and conventional jet fuel, provided there is sufficient support for the development of new technologies and large-scale SAF production, along with policies that support SAF deployment from both demand and supply sides.”
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