Air New Zealand Abandons 2030 Carbon Goals

Air New Zealand has officially scrapped its 2030 carbon emissions reduction goal, becoming the first major airline to do so, citing delays in acquiring new fuel-efficient aircraft and the high costs of alternative jet fuels. The airline had aimed for a 28.9% reduction in carbon intensity compared to its 2019 levels but acknowledged that supply chain issues hinder its ability to achieve this target. CEO Greg Foran noted that the challenges posed by global manufacturing delays mean the airline might need to extend the life of its existing fleet longer than anticipated. Despite this setback, Air New Zealand remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is currently developing a new near-term carbon reduction target. This decision highlights the broader difficulties faced by the aviation industry in meeting decarbonization goals amidst ongoing supply chain disruptions. The International Air Transport Association continues to advocate for increased production of sustainable aviation fuel to support emission reduction efforts.