Air New Zealand abandons 2030 climate target due to high costs

Air New Zealand has abandoned its 2030 carbon intensity reduction target, citing unaffordable and unavailable resources. The airline has also announced it will withdraw from the Science Based Targets initiative.

The company stressed that new aircraft and alternative jet fuels were difficult to obtain and costly. “These supply chain issues and expenses could delay the introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Chief Executive Greg Foran, adding that the airline was currently considering a new, more realistic near-term climate target.

Despite the setback, Air New Zealand chair Dame Tracy Walsh reiterated the airline’s commitment to its net zero carbon emissions target by 2050. “We will continue to work towards transitioning away from fossil fuels,” Walsh said. “We are also advocating for global and domestic policies to help the aviation industry mitigate the risks of climate change.”