Zhao said the newly delivered aircraft will become "the global image ambassador for sustainable development goals", and will soon carry out intercontinental flights in Asia, Europe, as well as countries of Australia and the United States.

Alison Smale, under-secretary general for global communications at the UN Department of Public Information, said the UN was pleased with the support from Xiamen Airlines to push forward the agenda, and is looking forward to explore new ways to enhance cooperation with the airline.

"I think it is an excellent way to illustrate that we can live a modern 21st Century life, which includes long distance air travel, but try to think about it in the most sustainable way possible," Smale said, referring to the painted plane.