“This interim target will drive activity today and set the airline up for success in achieving its net zero 2050 target.” Setting a science-based target allows businesses to set a robust and credible carbon reduction target that is independently assessed to ensure it aligns with the latest climate science.
Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer David Morgan say’s this is a critical milestone on the airline’s journey to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as it provides a clear signal of where we need to be by 2030 to meet the 2050 goal.
The interim target, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), requires a 28.9% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 from a 2019 baseline.
Science-based targets validated by the SBTi show companies how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to prevent the worst effects of climate change.
Air New Zealand has taken another important step on its Flight NZ0 journey by setting an ambitious science-based target to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. Our GHG emissions were reviewed in detail by the SBTi to ensure we had an accurate emissions baseline and science-based target set.
“Our key focus areas are SAF and the adoption of zero emissions aircraft technologies as they have the potential to reduce our emissions by approximately 70% by 2050.
“In a sector where it will be challenging to make the rapid and authentic change, Air New Zealand is congratulated on setting this science-based target to demonstrate its sincerity of intent. Implementing our decarbonisation roadmap will be critical to achieving this target – with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), continued fleet renewal, operational efficiency, and zero emissions aircraft technologies all playing a role.
“As the world continues to understand the full extent of the climate emergency, every airline will need to set equivalent targets – and then deliver on them, come what may.”
“Getting the target validated by the SBTi was a rigorous process and something we are incredibly proud to have achieved. These initiatives will drive real change in reducing our emissions, and we’re incredibly focused on delivering them as quickly as possible.”
“This target makes us accountable today.
Chair of Air New Zealand’s external Sustainability Advisory Panel, Sir Jonathon Porritt, says that passengers should consider two things when assessing an airline’s response to accelerating climate change: ambition level and trustworthiness.
Written by: Matthew Thomas
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