Air NZ becomes first big carrier to drop climate goal

• Air NZ becomes first big carrier to drop climate goal
• Air New Zealand says difficulties in obtaining more efficient aircraft and sustainable jet fuel reasons behind the drop
• The airline is now working on a new short-term objective while remaining committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050
• The aviation industry contributes about 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions

Air NZ becomes first big carrier to drop climate goal

Air New Zealand has scrapped its ambitious goal to cut carbon emissions by 2030, citing difficulties in obtaining more efficient aircraft and sustainable jet fuel. This makes it the first major airline to back away from a near-term climate target. The airline is now working on a new short-term objective while remaining committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, in line with industry-wide goals.

The aviation industry contributes about 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and airlines have sought to reduce this impact through measures like upgrading fleets and using renewable fuel sources. However, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) remain costly and scarce, complicating efforts to cut emissions.

Air New Zealand had aimed for a nearly 29% reduction in emissions by 2030, far surpassing the global aviation industry’s target of a 5% cut over the same period. The airline’s CEO, Greg Foran, noted that delays in receiving new aircraft further jeopardised the achievability of their original target.

The broader aviation industry has faced challenges with new aircraft deliveries, with manufacturers Boeing and Airbus struggling due to supply chain issues. Boeing, in particular, has encountered significant problems, including legal issues and technical malfunctions, which have affected their production capacity.

Air New Zealand pulling out of @sciencetargets is a tacit decision to favour short-term profits at the expense of doing their bit to limit warming in line with the Paris Agreement.

Greg Foran should be deeply ashamed. https://t.co/ni4bBTXUDY

— David Tong (@Davidxvx) July 29, 2024