SF Airlines Completes China’s First SAF-Powered Commercial Freighter Flight

On December 19, 2024, an SF Airlines B737 freighter fueled with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) departed Ningbo and landed at Ezhou Huahu Airport at 01:50, marking China’s first commercial freighter flight using SAF. SF Airlines is now China’s first cargo carrier to operate SAF-powered commercial freighter flights.

At the "Zero-Carbon Future" SAF maiden flight ceremony in Ningbo, CEC (China Environmental United Certification Center) awarded SF a carbon-neutral certification for the flight. Both parties also signed a Letter of Intent for strategic cooperation on "SAF Credit Issuance under Book & Claim Mechanism."

SAF, a drop-in alternative to conventional jet fuel, reduces lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 85%. Current HEFA-processed SAF can blend with conventional fuel at 50% without engine modifications.

In September 2024, SF Airlines joined a national SAF pilot program workshop hosted by NDRC and CAAC to advance China’s SAF adoption aligned with global 1.5°C climate goals.

Ezhou Huahu Airport—Asia’s first dedicated cargo hub—hosted this flight. The China-made SAF reduced emissions by 1,600 kg. This milestone paves the way for regular SAF commercial flights in China.

CEC certified the flight’s carbon neutrality: emissions from SAF combustion were offset by purchasing verified carbon credits (VCUs). SF and CEC’s partnership will enhance traceability of SAF emission reductions via blockchain.

As a sustainability leader, SF collaborates with luxury brands on "Scope 3 Carbon Neutrality Acceleration," tracking green transport ratios and developing low-carbon solutions.

In 2025, SF will launch its Aviation Neutrality Acceleration (ANA) program, featuring:

• Blockchain-based SAF credit platform for transparency

• Fenghe Carbon Management Platform for precise aviation emissions accounting

• Certified Scope 3 SAF reduction reports for international disclosure

This flight demonstrates SF’s commitment to green aviation and accelerates the industry’s sustainable transition. SF continues to invest in multimodal low-carbon transport, renewable energy, and eco-friendly products.

CEC is China’s first DOE-accredited certification body under the UN CDM and a key CCER verifier supporting national carbon markets.