In Hong Kong, Cathay welcomed the release of a research study published by Peking University’s National School of Development in late 2025.
The in-depth analysis and recommendations outlined in the study offer actionable insights on scaling SAF adoption in the Chinese Mainland through market measures on both supply and demand fronts, the airline said.
The study examines the challenges and untapped potential in scaling SAF in the Chinese Mainland, benchmarking global best practices while drawing parallels with China’s thriving solar photovoltaic industry. The report highlights China’s unique feedstock and manufacturing advantages, and projects long-term cost implications across different technical production pathways. Notably, the Power-to-Liquid (PtL) pathway — best known for producing electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) — shows the greatest potential for long-term cost reduction. The study notes that, with appropriate policy support, SAF produced locally via PtL may achieve price parity with conventional jet fuel (including China’s projected carbon price in 2030) when the cumulative eSAF output reaches 1.6 million tons.
Cathay General Manager Sustainability Grace Cheung said: “As a vital player in global aviation and the SAF ecosystem, the Chinese Mainland’s development of its domestic SAF industry not only capitalizes on global momentum and supports national carbon targets, but also helps promote the availability and affordability of SAF needed by the global aviation industry.”
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