26 Feb 2026
#4 February 2026: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Cathay Achieves Record SAF Commitments with Global Partners
Cathay announced another milestone year for its Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme in 2025, with commitments more than doubling compared to 2024. The programme, launched in 2022, now includes 17 global partners who have collectively committed to using approximately 17,400 tonnes of SAF. This represents an increase of nearly 180% year-on-year and equates to a lifecycle reduction of around 54,600 tonnes of CO2e emissions.
Cathay stated that scaling SAF adoption requires sustained collaboration between airlines, corporate customers and suppliers, alongside supportive policies and market incentives to meet the aviation industry’s 2050 net-zero ambitions.
CDB Aviation Sells Two Airbus A321-200 Aircraft to Finnair
CDB Aviation announced the sale of two Airbus A321-200 aircraft to Finnair. The transaction builds on a long-standing partnership between the two companies, with CDB Aviation having originally executed lease agreements for the aircraft in 2017. The sale supports Finnair’s long-term fleet strategy and ongoing narrowbody operations.
Emirates Expands China Network via Interline with Loong Air
Emirates and Loong Air signed an interline agreement expanding Emirates’ connectivity within China. The agreement provides Emirates customers access to 22 additional domestic destinations via Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The partnership enables single-ticket bookings with through-checked baggage and aligned fare conditions. Emirates currently operates 49 weekly flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou using Airbus A380, A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Acumen’s Take
On Cathay’s SAF Momentum
The near 180% increase in SAF commitments reflects accelerating corporate engagement in decarbonisation initiatives. However, scaling from voluntary programmes to industry-wide impact will depend heavily on regulatory clarity and supply expansion.
On CDB Aviation’s Finnair Transaction
Asset sales to airline operators highlight the continued liquidity in mid-life narrowbody platforms. Strategic portfolio rotation remains central to lessor capital optimisation.
On Emirates’ China Interline Expansion
Interline partnerships are becoming a key tool for network expansion without deploying additional aircraft capacity. Strengthening domestic feed enhances international route economics in competitive long-haul markets.
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