The Chinese government has given Air China (CA) a CNY50.7 million ($8.04 million) capital injection for the carrier’s sustainable development.
According to a CA statement released by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Tuesday, the funds will be used to install winglets on its fleet and improve fuel efficiencies of its aircraft engines.
It is the first time the Chinese government has funded the domestic carrier’s environment protection efforts. Because of volatile fuel prices and the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) that was implemented Jan. 1, Chinese carriers are aiming to reduce their carbon emissions 22% by 2020 compared to 2005 levels.
CA said it was taking the lead among Chinese airlines to become the more environmentally friendly carrier. In October, it became the first Chinese carrier to conduct a biofuel demonstration flight, operating a Boeing 747-400 with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines partially powered by jatropha-based fuel . CA has also ordered more fuel-efficient aircraft, including the 787 and 747-8.
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