Air New Zealand has decided to stop pursuing its 2030 emissions reduction targets and withdraw from an international sustainability programme, largely due to supply chain issues.
“Many of the levers needed to meet the target, including the availability of new aircraft, the affordability, and availability of alternative jet fuels, and global and domestic regulatory and policy support, are outside the airline’s direct control and remain challenging,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline had adopted the target of cutting emissions by 29% before the end of 2030. CEO Greg Foran emphasised that one of the obstacles to reaching this goal is that a global manufacturing and supply chain crunch for aircraft means that the airline will need to continue using its existing fleet for longer than originally planned.
The airline also withdrew from the Science-Based Targets Initiative, an initiative endorsing emissions reduction targets by providing technical assistance and resources. According to reports from Skift and Aerotime Hub, this makes the flag carrier the first major airline to publically abandon sustainability goals.
The company is still committed to reaching its emissions reduction targets for 2050, explained Air New Zealand Chair Therese Walsh. “Our work to transition away from fossil fuels continues, as does our advocacy for the global and domestic regulatory and policy settings that will help facilitate Air New Zealand, and the wider aviation system in New Zealand, to do its part to mitigate climate change risks,” she said.
