Sustainability In The Air

In this special episode, SimpliFlying’s CEO Shashank Nigam and Head of Sustainability Dirk Singer sit down with senior leaders from three companies featured in their upcoming book, Sustainability in the Air, Vol. II. Joining the conversation are Jonathon Counsell (Group Head of Sustainability, IAG), Diana Birkett Rakow (SVP of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Alaska Airlines), and Ashwin Jadhav (VP of Business Development, Twelve). Together, they explore how their organisations are addressing aviation’s toughest sustainability challenges — and where the industry is headed next.Here are some key highlights from the episode:Why Volume II? Singer explains why the time was right for a second volume of Sustainability in the Air: the landscape has shifted dramatically in just 18 months, with a sharper focus on commercial viability and real-world implementation.Industry maturation: The sustainable aviation sector has evolved to focus on business benefits beyond environmental credentials — being green alone is no longer enough.IAG’s SAF usage: Counsell shares how IAG has become an industry frontrunner in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), using 162,000 tons last year — about 1.9% of its total fuel consumption.Long-term partnerships:Jadhav discusses Twelve’s landmark 14-year SAF offtake agreement with IAG – an extraordinary commitment in an industry where one-year contracts are the norm.Investing in innovation: Birkett Rakow highlights Alaska Airlines’ approach to sustainability through strategic investments in climate tech companies like Twelve, ZeroAvia, and JetZero via Alaska Star Ventures.Corporate partnerships: The discussion explores how Microsoft’s partnership with Alaska Airlines and Twelve is helping absorb the green premium — demonstrating the role non-aviation players can play in accelerating industry transformation.The role of policy: All three guests weigh in on the urgent need for government support to help scale sustainable aviation solutions.Sustainability in the Air Vol. II will be available soon, and you can preorder your copy now on Amazon. Be among the first to discover these practical insights from airlines, airports, and climate tech companies working to decarbonise aviation.Links & More:Sustainability in the Air: Innovators transforming aviation for a greener future - SimpliFlying Alaska Airlines’ multi-faceted approach to achieving net zero by 2040 - SimpliFlying How Twelve’s carbon transformation technology is making carbon-neutral fuels a reality - SimpliFlying Why IAG is focusing on the practicality of SAF more than emerging technologies - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we speak with Jolanda Stevens, Program Manager for Zero Emission Aviation at KLM, who shares how the airline is preparing for a more sustainable future of aviation through innovative technologies and strategic investment in emerging solutions.Stevens discusses:KLM’s unique approach to innovation with a dedicated team focused on the “disruptive” aviation technology, working on future solutions like electric and hydrogen aircraft whilst maintaining their core flight operations.How different zero-emission technologies will serve specific segments of KLM’s network, with battery-electric suitable for shorter routes, hydrogen for medium-range, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) remaining crucial for long-haul flights.KLM’s systematic process for evaluating potential technology partners based on aircraft concepts, technical assumptions, company credibility, and even “gut feeling” to determine which innovations deserve investment.The airline’s research into passenger perceptions of new technologies, addressing critical questions about safety, comfort, and willingness to pay for sustainable aviation solutions.KLM’s role in driving system-wide transformation, recognising that zero-emission aviation requires changes in infrastructure, legislation, ground handling, and safety protocols across the entire industry.As a pilot who found deeper purpose in sustainability work, Stevens offers unique insights into how a 105-year-old airline is actively shaping aviation’s next technological revolution rather than simply waiting for it to arrive.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Air Lines, who shares the airline’s collaborative vision for sustainability. 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:What KLM does to make air travel more sustainable - KLM KLM and ZeroAvia plan zero-emission demonstration flight using liquid hydrogen - Zeroavia KLM joins Heart Aerospace, will help design its electric turboprop - Aviacionline Why is KLM Calling for Stricter SAF Policies from the EU? - Sustainability Magazine 

In this conversation, Martin Gauss, the former CEO of airBaltic and an active airline pilot, shares his transformative journey in modernizing air travel in the Baltics. He highlights the efficiency of the Airbus A220 fleet, boasting 30% lower fuel consumption. Gauss discusses airBaltic’s innovative dual business model and commitment to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. He reflects on adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as Starlink internet, while balancing growth with environmental responsibility, positioning Latvia as a leader in aviation innovation.

In this episode, we speak with  Amaury Barberot, CEO of Expliseat, about how the company's innovative lightweight seating technology is delivering immediate sustainability benefits for airlines while improving their bottom line.Barberot discusses:Expliseat's revolutionary aircraft seat design made from carbon fibre and titanium that is 30% lighter than comparable products, saving approximately 1,200 kilograms when retrofitted on an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.The immediate environmental impact of their lightweight seats, which deliver a 6% CO2 emission reduction per passenger without requiring airlines to wait for future technology developments.How the weight reduction focuses on the "invisible parts" of the seat, preserving passenger comfort while still delivering sustainability benefits.The company's circular manufacturing approach, which recycles industrial waste from seat frames to create new components like tray tables, further reducing their environmental footprint.Their recent expansion into the rail industry, where their lightweight technology helps train operators overcome axle weight limitations to improve passenger amenities or increase capacity.Barberot emphasises that Expliseat represents one of the rare sustainability solutions where "CSO and CFO do not fight," highlighting how their technology aligns environmental and economic objectives for airlines across different regions and business models.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO at RECARO Aircraft Seating and Recaro Holding. 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:Expliseat Expliseat Showcases New Lightweight Seating at MRO Americas 2025 - Aviation Pros Why every kilogram counts: the critical role of cabin design in sustainable aviation - SimpliFlying Expliseat TiSeat 2 X: the inside story - Aircraft Interiors International Expliseat brings ultra-light aircraft seats to rail industry - Runway Girl Network Expliseat aims to be lightweight champion in aircraft seats - Flight GlobalHow sustainable aircraft seats can be a game-changer - SimpliFlying  

In this episode, we speak with Lena Wennberg, Chief Sustainable Development Officer, and Therese Forsström, Head of Environmental Department at Swedavia, which owns and operates 10 airports across Sweden, connecting the country both internally and with the rest of the world.Wennberg and Forsström discuss:Swedavia’s achievement of fossil-free operations in 2020 in their own airport operations, backed by committed leadership that views sustainability as a “license to operate.”Their ambitious goal to enable fossil-free domestic flights in Sweden by 2030, primarily through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with plans to reach 10% SAF usage.Swedavia’s incentive program that covers 50% of the premium cost for airlines refuelling with SAF, plus their procurement of SAF for their own business travel for the last nine years.The airport’s preparations for future technologies, including charging infrastructure for electric aircraft at smaller airports and collaboration with Airbus on hydrogen infrastructure.The balancing of sustainability with operational needs in a country where air travel is essential due to the vast geography.As industry leaders working towards fossil-free aviation since long before it became mainstream, Swedavia offers a compelling example of how airports can transform environmental commitments into tangible action while maintaining operational excellence.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, who shares her ambitious vision for transforming the airport into a sustainable aviation hub. 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:Strategy for sustainability - Swedavia Swedavia allocates SEK40m for SAF incentives - SAF Investor Swedavia raises SEK 2 billion through green bond issuance to support sustainable investments and operations - International Airport Review Airbus, SAS, Swedavia and Vattenfall pave the way for hydrogen aviation in Sweden and Norway - Airbus

In this episode, we speak with Matteo Mirolo, Director of Strategy & External Relations at Contrails.org, a science-led nonprofit initiative aimed at transforming contrail research into practical climate action. Mirolo discusses:The substantial climate impact of contrails, which are responsible for 1-2% of human-caused global warming and have roughly the same warming effect as all aviation CO2 emissions since the jet age.The concentrated nature of the problem, with just 5% of flights causing about 80% of aviation’s contrail warming effect, primarily over Europe, North America, and the North Atlantic.Contrails.org’s three-pillar approach focusing on science (improving understanding of contrail impacts), technology (developing open-source tools and protocols), and adoption (raising awareness and fostering incentives).The cost-effectiveness of contrail mitigation compared to other decarbonisation options, with studies suggesting only 0.11% extra fuel burn across airline fleets.The vision for seamless integration into airline operations, where contrail avoidance becomes as routine as avoiding turbulence or adverse weather.Contrails.org seeks to be an open, collaborative space, with Mirolo likening it to “a tent under which people can put their furniture.” Its goal is to address the contrail issue through collective effort, recognising that effective management requires coordination across the aviation sector.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Alejandra Martín Frías, Head of Sustainability Research at FLIGHTKEYS, who shared insights into the company’s research on contrail avoidance. 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:Contrails.orgHow airplane contrails are helping make the planet warmer - Yale e360 Feasibility of contrail avoidance in a commercial flight planning system: an operational analysis - IOPscience Understanding contrail management: opportunities, challenges, and insights - RMI

In this episode, we speak with Pasha Saleh, Head of Corporate Development at Alaska Airlines, who leads Alaska Star Ventures, the airline’s corporate venture capital arm focused on sustainable aviation technologies. Saleh shares insights about the airline’s approach to sustainability investments and their vision for decarbonising the industry.Saleh discusses:The founding vision for Alaska Star Ventures, which was established to accelerate the development of technologies that don’t yet exist but are essential for achieving net zero.The investment strategy that started with partnerships with firms to gain expertise before making direct investments, resulting in nearly $90 million deployed to date across various aviation sustainability technologies.Strategic investments in companies like Jet Zero, a blended wing aircraft that could deliver up to 50% fuel reduction.The airline’s approach to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) investments through companies like Twelve and Air Company, focusing on Power-to-Liquid technology that produces fuel from air and water.Saleh emphasises that sustainability investments are “going to give rise to whole new industries that don’t exist yet today,” highlighting Alaska Airlines’ approach to shaping the future of sustainable aviation.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Eveliina Huurre, SVP, Sustainability at Finnair, who shares the airline’s comprehensive approach to sustainability as it celebrated its centenary last year. 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:Alaska Airlines launches investment arm to accelerate progress to net zero - Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines announces investment in JetZero to propel innovative aircraft technology and design - PR NewswireAlaska Airlines’ venture lab spins out its first startup: Odysee - TechCrunch   ESG - Alaska Airlines 

In this episode, we speak with Eveliina Huurre, Senior Vice President, Sustainability at Finnair, who shares insights about the airline’s approach to sustainability and their ambitious targets to reduce emissions. Huurre discusses:The employee engagement initiative that yielded 300 sustainability ideas, with 100 selected for implementation during Finnair’s centenary celebrations, ranging from small cultural changes to more substantial investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).Finnair’s science-based target to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 34.5% by 2033 (using 2023 as the baseline), translating to approximately 13% net reduction in absolute CO2 emissions, despite expected growth.The central role of SAF in Finnair’s sustainability strategy, with plans to increase its usage from 0.4% in 2023 to 1.8% in 2024, and to double voluntary SAF purchases in 2025.Finnair’s approach to operational efficiencies, including fuel-saving strategies like optimised aircraft allocation, pilot training for fuel efficiency and single engine taxiing.Innovative customer engagement through a simple SAF contribution option in the booking process, allowing passengers to contribute between €3-15 per flight, with early adoption exceeding expectations.The importance of industry collaboration at national, European and global levels, working with organisations like IATA, oneworld alliance (on joint SAF purchases), and A4E on policy frameworks to enable the energy transition in aviation.Huurre emphasises that making aviation sustainable isn’t about “who gets there first, but how we do this together,” highlighting Finnair’s approach to the challenges and opportunities in advancing sustainable air travel.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Grace Cheung, General Manager of Sustainability at Cathay, who shares insights about the airline’s “greener together” approach to sustainable aviation. 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:Sustainability - Finnair Finnair announces 100 sustainability efforts to mark 100 years - Inflight6 highlights of our sustainability work from last year - FinnairFinnair sets 34.5% reduction target for emissions intensity by 2033, driving a 13% absolute CO2e cut - Travel And Tour World 

Join Patrick Edmond, Managing Director of Altair Advisory and expert in sustainable aviation fuel, along with moderator Dirk Singer of SimpliFlying in a lively debate on aviation demand management. They explore the tension between airline growth and climate goals, dissect the 'guilt premium' in sustainable fuel adoption, and discuss the frequent flyer problem as a key contributor to emissions. Their insights also touch on the relationship between ticket pricing and travel behavior, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes to balance profitability with sustainability in air travel.

In this episode, we speak with Lucca Ewbank, Program Manager, Transport at InfluenceMap, who shares how the non-profit think tank uses data-driven analysis to assess corporate engagement with climate policies, and holds the corporate and financial sectors accountable for their role in climate change.Ewbank discusses:The significant disparity between what airlines say publicly versus what they advocate for in private meetings with policymakers, uncovered through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests that reveal how industry associations often oppose stronger climate regulations.The clear split within the aviation sector between “positive leaders” (typically low-cost carriers) who support more ambitious climate policies, and “laggards” (legacy carriers) who often oppose extensions of emissions trading schemes.Concerns about sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policies, particularly how some industry players advocate for feedstock calculations that might underestimate emissions.The aviation industry’s consistent opposition to demand management measures, with examples of airlines taking legal action against flight caps at airports.The role investors can play in encouraging positive climate policy engagement by holding companies accountable for their lobbying activities and pushing for transparency between public commitments and private advocacy.Ewbank emphasises that while there are encouraging signs from some industry leaders, aviation emissions continue to grow rapidly even as other sectors reduce their climate impact, with EU aviation emissions rising 9.5% in 2023 while overall EU emissions fell by 8%.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Matt Finch, UK Policy Manager at Transport & Environment, who discusses the need for more ambitious policies and actions to address aviation’s environmental impact. 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:InfluenceMapNew research shows major US airline and biofuel industries push for weaker US sustainable aviation fuel policy - InfluenceMap US Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) policies and corporate engagement - InfluenceMap EY, Capgemini & InfluenceMap: How to close the 'Say-Do Gap' - Sustainability Magazine