Multi-stakeholder pilot links SAF production, airlines, and regulators in China’s first integrated deployment modelUp to 90% lifecycle emissions reduction positions SAF as a near-term decarbonisation lever for aviationNew mechanisms for green premium sharing and Scope 3 credit transfers address scaling and financing barriers EcoCeres has initiated a coordinated push into China’s sustainable aviation fuel market, launching a pilot programme that brings together regulators, fuel suppliers, airlines, and chemical producers in a rare, system-wide deployment.
The initiative, known as Project Spark, saw sustainable aviation fuel produced at EcoCeres’ Zhangjiagang facility blended by China National Aviation Fuel Group and used to refuel multiple commercial flights at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.
The programme includes participation from The Second Research Institute of Civil Aviation Administration of China, China Southern Airlines, Air China Cargo, Sichuan Airlines, and Huarong Chemical.
“Launching this SAF pilot programme in China together with such influential partners is a proud moment for EcoCeres and a powerful signal for the future of sustainable aviation,” said Matti Lievonen, chief executive of EcoCeres.“By combining our waste-to-fuel technology with the scale and expertise of leading aviation fuel and airline ecosystems, we are turning climate ambition into practical action.” Building A Domestic SAF Ecosystem China’s aviation sector faces rising pressure to align with global decarbonisation frameworks while maintaining rapid growth.
SAF remains one of the few scalable solutions capable of delivering near-term emissions reductions without requiring major changes to aircraft infrastructure.
EcoCeres’ fuel is produced from waste and residue feedstocks using a proprietary conversion process, achieving up to 90% lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to conventional jet fuel.
This positions SAF as a critical tool for airlines navigating tightening emissions targets and evolving international standards, including those tied to carbon markets and airline reporting obligations.
What distinguishes Project Spark is its attempt to localise the full SAF value chain within China.
By integrating production, certification, blending, and airline uptake into a single pilot, the programme addresses fragmentation that has historically slowed SAF adoption in emerging markets.
Tackling Cost And Market Barriers A central challenge for SAF remains cost.
Green premiums, often significantly higher than....
