China Airlines Expands Cooperation on Pacific Climate Observation Aircraft for International Climate Observation and Research

Taiwan-based China Airlines is contributing to the protection of the planetary ecosystem by partnering with the National Central University (NCU) in Taiwan, the In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System (IAGOS) research team from the European Union, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to add the latest observation and measurement instruments for nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide to Pacific climate observation aircraft. Data collected by advanced optical and laser instruments will be used for research by the international organizations, such as World Meteorological Organization (WMO). China Airlines is the only airline in the world conducting such observations in the Pacific.

China Airlines first joined the NCU Pacific Greenhouse Gases Measurement (PGGM) international cooperation project in 2007. The first trans-Pacific climate observation aircraft entered service in 2012. In 2016, another two A330-300 passenger aircraft were equipped with the IAGOS atmospheric observation instruments to collect climate data such as the concentration of ozone, water vapor, carbon monoxide, and cloud droplets while flying across the Pacific region. The two aircraft have now been additionally equipped with auxiliary instruments to observe nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide respectively, continuing to support the joint Taiwan-EU research project on global climate change. The scope of observations has been expanded to encompass the Oceania as well as the Northern/Southern Hemispheres. China Airlines is the only Taiwanese carrier participating in the project and its support of international scientific research on climate change is a demonstration of its commitment to corporate social responsibility. The observation results have attracted the attention of the international scientific community as well.

The 777F freighters that recently joined the China Airlines fleet are equipped with manufacturer’s turbulence detection algorithm software, which synchronizes data transmission with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These data are combined with the nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide climate observation data from IAGOS to help the international aviation industry with turbulence detection and avoidance on air routes, as well as strengthen climate resilience for route management and operations. The operation was a first for the Taiwanese aviation industry and is the only one of its kind so far. The China Airlines fleet not only benefits from enhanced flight safety due to climate factors but is also making a substantive contribution to the safety of the global aviation industry.

“Continued implementation of ESG to create sustainable corporate competitiveness” has been embraced by China Airlines as its core for sustainable development. The success of environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance initiatives have received extensive domestic and international recognition including being selected a constituent stock in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index - Emerging Markets for eight consecutive years (the only Taiwanese carrier to be included), and a strong showing at the “Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards” for ten consecutive years. In 2023, China Airlines was presented with the top award at “The Most Prestigious Sustainability Awards - Top Ten Domestic Companies Award” for the first time.

For more information on sustainability at China Airlines, please visit the China Airlines Sustainability website: https://calec.china-airlines.com/csr/index.html