Air New Zealand scraps 2030 carbon emissions target

Background

Air New Zealand, once hailed as a leader in sustainable aviation, has scrapped its 2030 carbon emissions reduction target.

The target, set in 2022 and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aimed to reduce emissions by 28% compared to 2019 levels.

Reasons for the decision

Air New Zealand cited the lack of availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as the primary reason for its decision.

SAF is a low-carbon alternative to traditional jet fuel that can significantly reduce emissions.

However, SAF production is currently limited, and its cost is significantly higher than conventional jet fuel.

Implications

The scrapping of the 2030 target is a significant setback for Air New Zealand's sustainability efforts.

It also raises questions about the airline industry's ability to meet the Paris Agreement's goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.

Future plans

Air New Zealand has stated that it remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint.

The airline says it will continue to invest in SAF and explore other emissions reduction measures.

However, it is unclear whether the airline will set new carbon reduction targets in the future.

Conclusion

Air New Zealand's decision to scrap its 2030 carbon emissions target is a reminder of the challenges facing the aviation industry in its efforts to reduce emissions.

While SAF holds great potential for reducing emissions, its limited availability and high cost remain significant barriers to its widespread adoption.

It remains to be seen how Air New Zealand and other airlines will address these challenges and meet their sustainability commitments in the years to come.