As the 2026 China-US Youth Future Climate Leadership Exchange Programme in the Greater Bay Area entered its fourth day on June 26, participants took part in a focused field visit to China Southern Airlines, gaining first-hand exposure to China's efforts in sustainable aviation and green industrial operations.
At GAMECO, participants were introduced to China Southern Airlines' first C919 aircraft, featuring a special National Games-themed livery. The aircraft incorporates the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area landmark designs, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and coastal elements, and uses lightweight aerospace coatings designed to reduce weight while improving environmental efficiency.
Engineering staff members conducted a detailed walk-around inspection demonstration, offering insight into aircraft exterior design, paint technology and operational maintenance. On board, cabin crew presented the aircraft's three-class cabin layout and its focus on passenger comfort and environmental design, while pilots explained key systems including flight controls, human-machine interaction and advanced automation technologies in the domestically developed jet.
The group also toured the aircraft maintenance hangars of Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO), one of the largest facilities of its kind in the region, where they learned about aircraft engineering services and sustainability practices in aviation maintenance. Participants also engaged in discussions on aviation de-carbonization and clean energy applications, reflecting the broader theme of the exchange programme, which focuses on climate governance, green transition and youth cooperation.
According to the airline, the visit attempts to form part of a wider effort to translate climate goals into practical action through people-to-people exchange, while strengthening dialogue between young participants from China and the United States on shared environmental challenges.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Cameraman: Zeng Xiangxing, Pan Jiajun
Video Editor: Pan Jiajun
Photo: Zeng Xiangxing
Poster: Pan Jiajun
