Air New Zealand has abandoned its carbon emissions targets for 2030, attributing this decision to the unavailability of newer, fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative jet fuels.
Chief Executive Greg Foran stated on Tuesday that delays in
the airline's fleet renewal strategy present "an additional risk to the
target's achievability."
Foran elaborated that the airline might have to extend the
use of its current fleet longer than anticipated due to global manufacturing
and supply chain challenges, which could hinder the timely integration of more
efficient aircraft.
Consequently, and considering that many factors influencing
the target are beyond the airline's control, the decision has been made to
retract the 2030 target and withdraw from the Science Based Targets Initiative
(SBTi) immediately.
The airline is also contemplating a new short-term carbon
emissions reduction target that would more accurately reflect the industry's
challenges regarding aircraft and alternative jet fuel availability. Chair
Therese Walsh emphasized that the airline remains dedicated to achieving net
zero carbon emissions by 2050.
"Our efforts to transition away from fossil fuels
persist, as does our advocacy for both global and domestic regulatory
frameworks that will enable Air New Zealand and the broader aviation sector in
New Zealand to contribute to mitigating climate change risks," Walsh
stated.
Previously, Air New Zealand aimed to reduce its overall
carbon emissions by 16.3 percent by 2030, using 2019 as a baseline.
This announcement from the national carrier coincides with
airlines being compelled to take longer flight paths due to conflicts in Gaza
and Ukraine, thereby increasing their reliance on emissions-producing fuel.