Flying birds in a cleaner sky as carriers shift green

"Carbon reduction in civil aviation has been a continuing process, and positive results have been gradually showing. Globally, the aviation industry is not a huge emitter of carbon, but it has been a difficult process for the industry to reduce carbon emissions, as long-haul flights are significantly dependent on fossil fuels, and a revolutionary alternative to fossil fuels will not happen in the short term," Yu said.

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus said it has been trying to promote sustainable growth of the aviation industry and reduce carbon emissions. It is also in line with the aim of the Chinese government.

China has committed itself to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, and the country recently launched the world's largest carbon market. Carbon trading is the process of buying and selling permits of emitting carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.

Airbus said hydrogen is one of the most promising zero-emission technologies to reduce aviation's climate impact. In 2035, the aircraft manufacturer aims to introduce its first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft in the market with zero emissions.

Besides, Airbus is taking research about possible solutions to improve aircraft's operational condition and thus reduce emissions. It hopes to cooperate with aviation industrial players in China and speed up the process to achieve sustainable growth of the industry.

"We are committed to the China market and our strategy regarding China as a long-term strategic partner remains unchanged. We would like to further integrate ourselves into the ecological chain of China's aerospace and aviation industry and strengthen all-round and multi-level cooperation with China. Together with China, we will accelerate the decarbonization process and sustainable development of the aviation industry," said George Xu, CEO of Airbus China.

In the past 50 years, Airbus said it has made significant achievements in reducing aircraft's negative impact on the environment. For instance, the average noise level of its aircraft has declined 75 percent compared with 50 years ago, and the emission level of nitrogen oxide was reduced 90 percent over that period, the company said.

Meanwhile, US aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co released its first sustainability report in late July. The company shared its vision for the future of sustainable aerospace.