In this episode, we talk to Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice President Sustainability & Chief Economist at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), on the integration of sustainability and economics within the aviation sector, highlighting the pivotal role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and the challenges of balancing growth with environmental stewardship. Thomsen emphasises the interconnectedness of economic considerations and environmental sustainability, advocating for a systemic approach that extends beyond aviation to include energy producers, policymakers, and financial institutions.The conversation further delves into the nuances of SAF production, underscoring the importance of diversifying and scaling technological pathways for SAF. Addressing criticisms of the aviation industry’s sustainability efforts, Thomsen highlights the industry’s proactive initiatives, positioning aviation as an early mover towards decarbonisation.She also suggests that airlines explore vertical integration and alternative revenue streams to enhance both sustainability and economic resilience, reflecting on the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for diversified business models to withstand future challenges.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Haldane Dodd, Executive Director at Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), about how the non-profit is assisting the aviation industry in its net-zero by 2050 journey. 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:Our Commitment to Fly Net Zero by 2050 - IATA Developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) - IATA CORSIA explained SAF Offtake Agreements - ICAO  IATA - Strengthened Global Framework for Accelerating Aviation’s DecarbonizationIATA - Net Zero Roadmaps The non-profit working behind the scenes to get aviation to net zero by 2050 - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Senator Andy Billig, Senate Majority Leader at Washington State Senate, on how he has spearheaded efforts to integrate environmental stewardship with legislative action in Washington State.Billig’s journey in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) began in 2012, leading to pivotal legislation like Senate Bill 5447, which incentivises SAF production to complement Washington’s aerospace and technological sectors. The bill, developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders and aimed at boosting local SAF production, has been well-received for its flexibility and environmental focus. Despite challenges in educating legislators and addressing misconceptions about SAF versus other green technologies, the bill passed with near-unanimous support.Post-passage, significant strides have been made, including SkyNRG’s plant establishment and BP’s exploration of a SAF production facility, marking progress in Washington State’s SAF ecosystem. Billig addresses concerns about the bill’s scope and the need for a balanced, data-informed approach to SAF development, emphasising the role of technology-neutral legislation and the importance of market dynamics in resource allocation. He highlights the need for continued education, collaboration, and ensuring the sustainability of feedstocks, reflecting on the complexities of advancing SAF within the broader context of environmental and economic sustainability.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Dr Susanne Becken, Professor of Sustainable Tourism at Griffith University, Australia, who discusses various aspects of sustainable travel and its relationship with climate change. 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:Biography - Sen. Andy Billig New $800M sustainable aviation fuel plant planned for Washington state - The Seattle Times BP analyses SAF production at its Cherry Point refinery - The Daily DigestTwelve announces plans to scale production of SAF in Washington State - Biofuels International Magazine Billig bill to incentivize clean jet fuel, spur job creation clears Senate - Sen. Andy Billig How to rethink tourism and aviation for a greener future - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Elena Schmidt, Executive Director of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB).RSB is a global, multi-stakeholder independent organisation that drives the development of a new world bio-economy through sustainability solutions, certification, and collaborative partnerships.Schmidt acknowledges the difficulties in decarbonising aviation, given the reliance on fossil fuels and the current limitations of alternatives like hydrogen or electric planes. RSB views the ‘book and claim’ system for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as an effective solution. In 2021, RSB launched a SAF book and claim pilot with Air bp to enable certified SAF claims from Microsoft and United Airlines. The RSB Book & Claim System, aims to develop a credible and effective book and claim mechanism to expand the outreach of SAF and accelerate decarbonisation. If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Haldane Dodd, Executive Director at Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), who shares how the non-profit is assisting the aviation’s net-zero journey. 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:Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials Association - RSBRSB book and claim programme - RSB Microsoft, United Airlines and SABA join RSB and Air bp pilot for first-ever SAF book and claim transaction - GreenAir NewsBoeing and RSB expand SAF study to South East Asia - Airport Technology The non-profit working behind the scenes to get aviation to net zero by 2050 - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Jonathon Counsell, Group Head of Sustainability at International Airlines Group (IAG).IAG is the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, LEVEL, IAG Loyalty and IAG Cargo. The group plays a critical role in setting the sustainability strategy and targets for its subsidiary airlines, and collaborates with governments and investors to realise these goals.Counsell emphasises the importance of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in decarbonising aviation and discusses IAG’s SAF strategy. For example, in 2021, IAG became the first European airline group to commit to a target of 10% SAF for all fuel needs by 2030. Counsell also highlights the complexities involved in the transition towards SAF, the disparity in global SAF policies – especially between the US and the EU – and the critical role of investors in this transition. He also discusses the various generations of SAF, and the exploration of new technologies to achieve sustainability goals in the airline industry. If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, who discusses the airline’s commitment to net zero, and the overarching BA Better World sustainability strategy. 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:International Airlines Group (IAG)Sustainability strategy - IAG IAG looks to secure international support to power 10% of its flights with SAF by 2030 - GreenAir British Airways’ route to sustainability with BA Better World - SimpliFlying IAG and Microsoft sign major SAF deal - Airport Technology 

In this episode, we talk to Amy Hebert, Chair of the Board and CEO at Arcadia eFuels, who discusses the rapidly growing field of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with a focus on e-fuels. eFuels are produced with electricity from renewable sources, water and CO2 and are a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Hebert discusses her entry into the field, driven by the untapped potential for carbon-neutral fuels despite existing technologies like Gas to Liquids and green hydrogen electrolysers. Arcadia, her company, aims for rapid market entry and large-scale e-fuel production, targeting significant reductions in CO2 emissions. She highlights challenges in securing long-term offtake agreements and the evolving understanding of e-fuels in the market. Hebert also acknowledges the current resource intensity of e-fuels and the high costs of SAF production, emphasising the need for smaller-scale projects and technological advancements. She shares that Arcadia has not yet started producing SAF, with production expected to begin around late 2026 or early 2027. The conversation covers the importance of securing long-term commitments for green hydrogen, engaging with potential customers, and exploring innovative financing solutions. Amy's vision is to enable airlines to use 100% eSAF, facilitating responsible and cost-effective air travel.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Gene Gebolys, President and CEO at World Energy, the world’s first producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that has been in the business of renewable fuels for over 25 years. 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:Arcadia eFuels eFuels: sustainable in two ways Arcadia eFuels’ SAF plant to use Plug Power’s electrolyser - Hydrocarbon EngineeringHitachi Energy selected as consulting partner for world’s first commercial eFuels facilityKGAL invests in Arcadia eFuels’ eSAF project in Denmark - Renewables NowArcadia eFuels selects Topsoe and Sasol G2L technology for the first commercial eFuels-for-aviation plant in Denmark - Green Car CongressFirst commercial eFuels-for-aviation plant in Denmark on schedule for 2026 - Biofuels International Magazine How World Energy is shaping the future of sustainable aviation fuel - SimpliFlying 

Welcome to the holiday edition of Sustainability in the Air, the world's #1 podcast on sustainable aviation. Over the past couple of weeks, we have brought to you some of the finest conversations from our archives with added context based on the latest updates from the companies featured.Following our first holiday special with Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines and second with Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer, we bring to you our third and final holiday special: a fascinating conversation with John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global.Since our episode with Red Sea Global—recorded about a year ago—they’ve made a number of major announcements that are worth noting. Funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Red Sea Global is spearheading a new model of eco-tourism on the west coast of Saudia Arabia with a self-imposed ecological ceiling. Their portfolio includes two regenerative tourism destinations – the Red Sea and Amaala.Embracing a sustainable model, Red Sea Global has committed to 100% renewable energy, primarily solar, making it the world's largest renewable-powered tourism destination. To preserve the environment, the Red Sea Airport is designed to handle a limited number of passengers, aligning with the project's ecological ceiling. Pagano highlights the importance of transparency in their sustainability journey, publishing detailed reports and data to ensure accountability and avoid greenwashing. If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Dr Susanne Becken from Griffith University, Australia, who discusses various aspects of sustainable travel and its relationship with climate change. 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:Red Sea Global announces commitment to coral at Cop28 - Blooloop How Red Sea Global’s ambitious eco-tourism model could save the planet - SimpliFlyingSaudia Marks Historic Flight to Saudi Arabia's New Red Sea International Airport - Business Traveler USARed Sea Global nursery brings life to the desert with 5m plants cultivated in just 3 years - Arab News Red Sea Global announces first partners for carbon-neutral, smart mobility network at The Red Sea - Red Sea Global How to rethink tourism and aviation for a greener future - SimpliFlying

Welcome to the holiday edition of Sustainability in the Air, the world’s #1 podcast on sustainable aviation. Over the next couple of weeks, we will bring to you some of the finest conversations from our archives and add context based on the latest updates from the companies featured.Following up our first holiday special with Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines is our conversation with Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer. Since our episode with Delta—recorded about six months ago—they’ve made a number of major announcements that are worth noting, not least of them being Amelia’s elevation to her new role as Chief Sustainability Officer.While we cover these developments in a new introduction to the episode, here’s what you can expect from the episode itself: Amelia, leading Delta’s sustainability efforts, has made significant strides in integrating sustainability with customer service. Under her stewardship, Delta is emphasising industry collaboration to reach net zero emissions, focusing on reducing single-use plastics and optimising operations for fuel savings. Further, their Sustainable Skies Lab spearheads innovation, partnering with companies like Joby Aviation for eVTOL air taxis. Launched in 2023, Sustainable Skies Lab aims to accelerate sustainable air travel innovation, featuring an Ideation Studio to showcase future solutions. Delta is also working to increase Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply, advocating for more production by large energy firms and government support. Additionally, they are collaborating with MIT to study airplane contrails’ environmental impact. 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:Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer is on a mission to use less fuel - Fast CompanyDelta among founders of new aviation fuel coalition - Business Travel News  Delta in final tests to replace plastic cups with paper on flights - Minneapolis /St. Paul Business Journal Delta Air Lines, Xcel Energy, Greater MSP push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) hub in Minnesota - Star Tribune Delta Air Lines helps establish 1st large-scale SAF hub in the US & other stories in aviation - SimpliFlying  Joby wants to alleviate the pain and frustration of getting from home to your airline seat - SimpliFlying 

Welcome to the holiday edition of Sustainability in the Air, the world’s #1 podcast on sustainable aviation. Over the next couple of weeks, we will bring to you some of the finest conversations from our archives and add context based on the latest updates from the companies featured.First up is our episode with Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, an airline that continues to set new standards in terms of their sustainability commitments and efforts. Since our episode with them—incidentally one of our earliest—they’ve made a number of major announcements that are worth noting.While we cover these developments in a new introduction to the episode, here’s what you can expect from the episode itself: Kirby highlights United’s commitment to net-zero emissions, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), sustainable technology investments, and carbon sequestration over traditional carbon offsets. He points out the limitations of tree planting as a carbon offset method and advocates for direct carbon removal from the atmosphere.United leads in SAF usage, despite its current high cost and scarcity, and is working on making it more viable through United’s Eco-Skies alliance and government support. Kirby also touches on United Ventures’ efforts in electrifying short-haul flights and a partnership with Boom for a SAF-powered supersonic airliner.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, who discusses the airline’s commitment to net zero, and the overarching BA Better World sustainability strategy. 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:United’s sustainable flight fund grows to nearly US$200 million - Hydrocarbon EngineeringUnited Airlines inks deal to buy 1B gallons of SAF - PhocusWireUnited Airlines Invests in Electric Power Systems to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation Initiatives - SMEBoeing, NASA, United Airlines To Test SAF Benefits with Air-to-Air Flights - BoeingUnited, Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn announce integrated ticket agreement - Airport TechnologyAirlines should prioritise storytelling, not statements, on sustainability - Flight Global British Airways’ route to sustainability with BA Better World - SimpliFlying 

In this episode we talk to Bertrand Lestimé, ZEROe Market and Customers Leader at Airbus, who outlines the airframer’s multi-pronged strategy to reach net-zero.Lestimé shares how Airbus is focusing on fleet renewal, improving operational efficiency and air traffic management, and investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and carbon removal technologies. A pivotal part of Airbus’ strategy is the ZEROe project, dedicated to developing hydrogen-powered aircraft, seen as a game-changer for the industry.Lestimé also discusses the challenges associated with integrating hydrogen into aviation – aircraft redesign, setting up requisite infrastructure for production and transport of fuel, hydrogen storage, and the feasibility of transitioning from experimental to commercial hydrogen flight. We will also learn about Airbus’ partnerships with industry stakeholders like easyJet, and initiatives like Airbus’ Blue Condor project, that are further accelerating the journey to a zero emissions flight.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Sheila Remes, Boeing’s VP of Environmental Sustainability, who shares how the aircraft manufacturer is collaborating with industry stakeholders to move aviation towards its net zero goal. 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:ZEROe - Low carbon aviation - Airbus Contrail-chasing Blue Condor makes Airbus’ first full hydrogen-powered flight - Airbus How Boeing has been working on a net zero future for over a decade - SimpliFlyingWhy Airbus is betting big on hydrogen combustion - SimpliFlying easyJet and Airbus strike a deal: zero carbon flying with carbon removal credits - Carbon Credits  easyJet, Airbus and Rolls-Royce launch new ‘Hydrogen in Aviation’ lobby group to accelerate zero-carbon flight - Hydrogen Insight 

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 AirlinesSouthwest Inks 20-Year Jet Fuel Deal in Quest to Go Green - BloombergSouthwest Airlines announces new tool to enable support of SAF - Biomass MagazineAirlines Unite with Tech Sector and Academia to Tackle Climate Challenge of Aviation Contrails - RMIVirgin Atlantic’s 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel gambit