Sustainability In The Air

Representing the interests of airports and airport operators across the world, Airports Council International (ACI World) fosters collective action within the industry. With nearly 712 members, and operations spanning 1,925 airports in 171 countries, ACI World contributes to the safety, security and sustainability of global aviation.In this episode, we talk to ACI World’s Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira who explains how, as significant emitters of greenhouse gases, airports play a pivotal role in aviation’s journey to net zero. On average, airports account for roughly 5% of aviation’s carbon footprint. Airports have varying carbon footprints due to their geographical, cultural and economic intricacies. This, as Luis Felipe puts it, makes each airport a mystery that needs to be understood and unlocked in its specific context. We'll learn about how ACI World is nudging airports to be more sustainable through their six-level carbon accreditation programme; the promise and pitfalls of hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel; the solar energy and green building ecosystem; and the need for the industry to communicate its achievements and challenges as one cohesive unit.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:The Airport Carbon Accreditation ProgrammeList of Accredited AirportsAirport Carbon and Emissions Reporting Tool (ACERT)Swedavia Annual Sustainability Report 2021Shining a Light on Solar EnergyACI & ATI launch joint report into the integration of hydrogen aircraft into the air transport systemATI & ACI World launch new SAF paper

Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has taken the ultra low-cost model a step further to pursue growth and sustainability in tandem. In this episode, we talk to Wizz Air Group’s Chief Corporate & ESG Officer, Yvonne Moynihan, about how the carrier has reduced its per seat carbon footprint by 15% since 2019, despite having grown by a remarkable 140% since the pandemic!We'll learn about why fleet renewal can help airlines achieve significant short-term emissions reduction and how Wizz Air focuses on young travellers and undertakes radical measures and advocacy to stay ahead of its competitors.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:Wizz Air Confirms 75 Airbus A321neo OrderWizz Air and OMV sign an agreement to supply sustainable aviation fuelWizz And Airbus To Collaborate On Hydrogen Aircraft OperationsWizz Air CEO Calls For Global Ban On Business Class FlyingWizz Air joins European Commission’s Alliance for Zero-Emission AviationCirium's Global Aircraft Emissions Monitor 

Dubai International Airport is one of the largest in the world, so reducing its environmental impact is not an easy feat. In this episode we talk to CEO Paul Griffiths about his brilliant approach of focusing relentlessly on constant improvement, no matter how small.We'll learn about maintaining a net zero trajectory, working with airlines and Paul's personal commitment to living a net zero life.Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content about sustainable aviation visit our website simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:Dubai Airports - Corporate Social ResponsibilityDubai Airports to divert 60% DXB’s waste from landfills by mid-2023Dubai International Airport sets goal to reduce landfill waste by 60 per centCirium's Global Aircraft Emissions Monitor 

Dirk Singer, Head of Sustainability at SimpliFlying shares how airlines can tackle climate activism and flight shaming while investing in sustainable initiatives.

Matthias Niederhäuser shares how Diamondo Earthrounding connects and promotes initiatives to accelerate sustainable aviation.

Dr Mark Hiller, CEO at Recaro, discusses the company's localisation strategy, the promise of eLeather, upcycling and much more.

Ramon Sanchez, Principal Investigator at Harvard University urges the industry to work with academia for better sustainability strategies and explains why waiting for SAF to be cheaper is a "lousy strategy".

Christoph Wolff, one of the founders of the World Economic Forum's Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition, explains why SAF underpins the long-term sustainability prospects for aviation.

Nora Lovell Marchant, Vice President of Global Sustainability at American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), shares how the company is preparing for a net zero future through various initiatives.

Val Miftakhov, CEO of ZeroAvia, a startup working on hydrogen propulsion technology, discusses how the best path to a net zero future is via non-combustion fuel technologies.