In this episode we talk to Helen Giles, Managing Director of Environmental Sustainability at Southwest Airlines, who shares how the low-cost carrier is integrating sustainability into its operations. 

Giles discusses how Southwest is balancing growth with sustainability, the airline’s net zero roadmap and the crucial role of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in reducing the airline’s carbon emissions. She also shares the potential of hydrogen and alternative propulsion systems in aviation, acknowledging their long-term possibilities while also highlighting their current limitations for Southwest’s fleet. Instead, she emphasises the importance of introducing fuel-efficient aircraft, using electric ground support equipment, and maximising operational efficiencies.   

Giles also outlines Southwest’s efforts in contrail reduction, participating in the Contrail Impact Task Force to develop predictive models and contrail avoidance procedures, illustrating the carrier’s multifaceted approach to achieving sustainability in aviation.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Holly Boyd-Boland, Virgin Atlantic’s VP Corporate Development & Sustainability about the world’s first net zero transatlantic flight using 100% SAF. Check it out 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.

Links & More:

Southwest Airlines 

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives - Southwest Airlines 

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) - Southwest Airlines

Southwest Inks 20-Year Jet Fuel Deal in Quest to Go Green - Bloomberg

Southwest Airlines announces new tool to enable support of SAF - Biomass Magazine

Airlines Unite with Tech Sector and Academia to Tackle Climate Challenge of Aviation Contrails - RMI

Virgin Atlantic’s 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel gambit