Best of 2024: How aviation executives are charting the course to net zero
Jan 2, 2025
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Aviation executives share their bold strategies for achieving net-zero emissions. Scandinavian Airlines is pushing for electric flights by 2028, while Alaska Airlines aims for carbon neutrality by 2040. Boeing is on track for 100% sustainable aviation fuel compatibility by 2030. Pittsburgh International Airport proudly operates off-grid and advances sustainable fuel options. Meanwhile, Truckee Tahoe Airport leads the way with full SAF adoption. Collaboration across the industry is key to turning sustainable ambitions into reality.
Aviation executives are setting ambitious targets for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), emphasizing collaboration to accelerate production and distribution despite current supply challenges.
Cultural values significantly influence sustainability strategies in aviation, enhancing commitments like Alaska Airlines' 2040 net-zero goal and Scandinavian Airlines' environmentally conscious practices.
Deep dives
The Importance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is recognized as a critical element for reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry. Various industry leaders emphasize the urgency to increase SAF production to meet growing demands, with significant targets set, such as IAG’s commitment of 10% SAF usage by 2030, despite the current supply being far lower. The interest in SAF is not merely theoretical; airlines are already sourcing significant amounts, with IAG sourcing 25% of its ambitious target and other carriers ramping up procurement. Collaborations among airlines, governments, and private investors are crucial to overcome existing limitations and accelerate the development and distribution of SAF.
Cultural Context in Sustainability Efforts
Cultural values play a significant role in shaping sustainability strategies within the aviation sector, as illustrated by the approaches taken by airlines in North America and Scandinavia. For instance, Alaska Airlines prioritizes sustainability as a core value, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040, which reflects a deep commitment to long-term environmental responsibility. In Scandinavian countries, the intrinsic respect for nature and outdoor living influences air travel policies and corporate sustainability efforts, leading to proactive measures like sustainability reports being mandatory for corporate partnerships. This cultural consciousness contributes to a more robust framework for implementing sustainable practices within the industry.
Innovative Airport Solutions and Collaboration
Airports are increasingly reimagining their roles in promoting sustainable aviation by implementing innovative energy solutions and collaborating on sustainability initiatives. Pittsburgh International Airport has become energy independent by establishing a microgrid that utilizes natural gas extraction from its site, showcasing how airports can generate their own energy. Smaller airports, such as Truckee Tahoe Airport, take bold stances by exclusively offering sustainable aviation fuel, prioritizing community impact over profit. These developments highlight a shift towards a partnership approach, where airports and airlines work together to create comprehensive solutions for aviation sustainability.
In this special holiday episode, we re-visit conversations with six aviation industry executives about their approaches to sustainability and decarbonisation.
Scandinavian Airlines CEO Anko van der Werff shares how regional environmental consciousness shapes their strategy, combining SAF adoption with electric and hydrogen partnerships. Their first electric flight is scheduled for 2028.
Alaska Airlines SVP Diana Birkett Rakow details their 2040 net-zero target, with initiatives including employee bonus links to carbon targets and a partnership with Microsoft for synthetic fuel production.
Boeing’s Chief Sustainability Officer Brian Moran discusses their “SAF&” strategy and goal for 100% SAF-compatible aircraft by 2030. They’re advancing electric propulsion through their Saab 340B retrofit project.
Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis reveals how they’ve operated completely off-grid for three years using a microgrid system, while developing multiple SAF pathways and an innovation testing ground.
Truckee Tahoe Airport GM Robb Etnyre describes becoming the first airport to fully adopt SAF, achieving price parity with conventional jet fuel at $8 per gallon.
IAG’s Group head of Sustainability Jonathon Counsell outlines their commitment to 10% SAF fuel use by 2030, emphasizing the importance of managing cost transitions across the industry.
If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love all the conversations we had through the year with dozens of industry executives, technology leaders and scientists. Check out the archive here.
Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.
Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.
This episode is brought to you by 4AIR. 4AIR is leading the way with the industry’s first framework to address aviation’s climate impact—offering clear, verifiable pathways to reduce and counteract aircraft emissions. For more information, please visit: https://www.4air.aero/
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