It’s too difficult and the cost is too high. That's why Air New Zealand abandoned its target to reduce carbon emissions by 2030, blaming a series of difficulties for Tuesday's decision. [emphasis, links added]
Delays in the delivery of fuel-efficient aircraft and the affordability of alternative aviation fuels were two key factors in the unexpected move.
The move makes it the first major airline to abandon such climate targets, according to the BBC.
The airline added that it was setting new short-term targets and remained committed to an industry-wide target of net zero emissions by 2050 once it could find a way to achieve this.
“In recent months, and especially the past few weeks, it's become clear that Potential delays in our fleet renewal program pose additional risks to the achievement of our goals” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said in a statement announcing the termination of the program.
In 2022, Air New Zealand set a target of nearly 29% reduction by 2030.
This is more ambitious than the 5% emissions reduction target set by the global aviation industry during the same period.
sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a key part of the industry’s emissions reduction strategy, but Airlines have struggled to buy enough planes.
“The price is [SAF] More expensive than traditional fuels, and Not enough capacity for mass production” said Ellis Taylor of aviation analytics firm Cirium.
According to the Associated Press, other airlines listed in the United Nations Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) database have “cancelled” their commitments to near-term emissions targets, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, EasyJet, and LATAM Airlines. and Japan Airlines.
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