An Air New Zealand aircraft is seen during the second match of the Women's ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand on December 15, 2023.
Kai Schwall | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images
Air New Zealand abandoned its 2030 climate targets on Tuesday, citing delays in the delivery of fuel-efficient aircraft and the affordability of alternative aviation fuels.
The announcement means New Zealand's national carrier has become the first major airline to downplay its near-term climate targets, a move that reflects the scale of the challenge facing the industry in meeting decarbonization targets.
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran explain In a statement, it has become apparent in recent weeks that “potential delays to our fleet renewal program pose additional risks to the achievement of our objectives.”
“Airlines may need to retain their existing fleets longer than planned due to global manufacturing and supply chain issues that could slow the introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft into their fleets,” Foran said.
“Therefore, given that many of the means required to achieve the target are beyond our control, the decision has been made to cancel the 2030 target.”
Air New Zealand has previously said its 2030 target is to reduce carbon intensity by 28.9% compared to 2019 levels. The airline said on Tuesday that work on the new near-term targets had begun.
An Air New Zealand plane waits for passengers at Wellington International Airport on February 20, 2020.
Marty Melville | AFP | Getty Images
The aviation industry is a significant contributor to climate change and is widely considered to be one of the most challenging industries to decarbonize.
In 2022, the aviation industry estimated It accounts for 2% of global energy-related carbon emissions and has grown faster than other modes of transport such as rail, road and shipping in recent decades.
international energy agency explain For the aviation industry to achieve the 2050 net-zero emissions scenario, technological measures related to low-emission fuels, engine and airframe improvements, and demand-limiting solutions will be needed to curb emissions growth.
Air New Zealand also confirmed its intention to withdraw from the Science-Based Targets Initiative with immediate effect. The SBTi Network is a United Nations-backed climate action organization that helps companies reduce emissions in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Air New Zealand chairman Therese Walsh said the airline remained committed to its 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target.
“We remain committed to transitioning away from fossil fuels and advocating for global and domestic regulatory and policy settings that will help Air New Zealand and New Zealand's wider aviation system do their part to mitigate climate change risks,” Wall said. What to say.