TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — EVA Air has signed a memorandum of understanding with Formosa Petrochemical on Wednesday to secure over 20,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from 2026.

The deal will supply the airline with domestically produced SAF over five years, potentially reducing carbon emissions by at least 50,000 tons, per CNA. EVA said SAF can slash emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.

EVA Air President Sun Chia-ming (孫嘉明) noted that the airline sees sustainability not just as a duty but as a core business strategy. He cited initiatives including cutting single-use plastics onboard and working with partners across the transport value chain.

Formosa Petrochemical President Lin Ko-yen (林克彥) said the company is investing in SAF R&D using co-processing technology that blends seamlessly with existing fuels. This method cuts emissions and makes SAF adoption more practical for airlines.

EVA began using Formosa’s SAF at Taiwan’s major airports on April 23 and reaffirmed its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The airline said the partnership fosters a local supply chain while reducing reliance on imported fuels.

The initiative also brings business clients and cargo partners into its decarbonization efforts. EVA said it is upgrading its fleet, optimizing flight paths to cut fuel use, and adopting new technologies like AeroShark to reduce emissions further.