Sustainability In The Air

Dan Rutherford, Senior Director of Research at ICCT, discusses reducing aviation emissions, net-zero by 2050, collaboration with Google on Travel Impact Model, challenges with sustainable aviation fuels, frequent flyer levy, and the role of consumer awareness in driving change within the aviation industry.

In this episode, we talk to Diana Birkett Rakow, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs & Sustainability at Alaska Airlines, who shares the airline’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.To reach the 2040 goal, Alaska Airlines has developed a comprehensive five-part path. The plan includes focusing on operational efficiency, fleet modernisation, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), new propulsion technologies, and the use of carbon credits as a last resort.Rakow discusses the importance of employee and customer engagement in advancing the airline’s sustainability goals. She shares the airline’s unique bonus program that ties 10% of every employee’s annual bonus to achieving carbon intensity targets. Rakow also discusses the airline’s efforts to engage customers in sustainability initiatives by enabling the purchase of nature-based offsets and SAF credits, and offering loyalty rewards.Rakow emphasises the significance of collaborations with companies like Microsoft and Twelve in developing and utilising SAF. She also delves into the airline’s investments in future technologies, such as their partnership with ZeroAvia to develop hydrogen-electric powertrains for regional aircraft, and the role of the airline’s venture investment arm, Alaska Star Ventures, in identifying and supporting innovations that accelerate the path to net zero emissions.Please note: Alaska Airlines established its headquarters in Seattle in the early 1960s. The decade was misstated in the episode. If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Delta Air Lines’ Chief Sustainability Officer Amelia DeLuca, 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:ESG Environmental Social Governance - Alaska AirlinesFlying with purpose: Alaska sets new climate goals, including net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 - Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines, Twelve & Microsoft collaborate to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel produced from captured CO2 - ESG TodayAlaska Airlines, ZeroAvia to develop world’s largest zero-emission aircraft - Flight GlobalDelta’s sustainability push is powered by a surprising customer insight 

Daniel Rosen Jacobson, Co-founder of Elysian Aircraft, discusses their 90-seater battery electric aircraft for sustainable aviation. The focus is on designing a larger plane with competitive costs, technical aspects like integrated batteries and folding wingtips, and overcoming certification challenges. The podcast explores the potential of electric aviation, infrastructure requirements, favorite airports, and funding milestones for the project.

Harbour Air's CEO, Engineering Manager, and Head of Digital talk about the airline's shift to electric aviation, from carbon offsetting to insetting. They discuss the successful e-plane initiative, collaborations, battery technology, and customer response to sustainable aviation. The conversation highlights the airline's commitment to building the world's first all-electric commercial fleet and the importance of partnerships in advancing green aviation.

Finlay Asher, Co-founder of Safe Landing, discusses the challenges of balancing growth and sustainability in aviation, advocating for government intervention and carbon budgets. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based analysis for Sustainable Aviation Fuels and calls for equity in emissions reductions. The podcast explores the need for a managed transition to promote sustainable aviation practices and highlights the role of developed nations in leading decarbonization efforts.

In this episode, we speak with SimpliFlying’s CEO Shashank Nigam, COO Shubhodeep Pal and Head of Sustainability, Dirk Singer about the launch of SimpliFlying’s first annual Sustainable Aviation Outlook Report.As the world reels from the catastrophic consequences of climate change, the question of what the aviation industry can do about sustainability is rife with divided opinions. Is net zero by 2050 realistic? Is it equitable for all? Do we have the money to make it happen? Will customers support it? Aviation’s pathways to net zero are also hotly contested.As the industry navigates its complex transition towards a sustainable future, the Sustainable Aviation Outlook Report aims to offer hope, reassurance, answers and some helpful suggestions along the way.Based on a survey of 20 leading carriers from around the world, including major players such as Air France-KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa Group, All Nippon Airways, and Southwest Airlines, the report seeks to assess the current state of sustainability efforts, identify best practices and challenges. Complemented with comprehensive and rich data from Cirium and Envest Global, SimpliFlying’s Sustainable Aviation Outlook Report aims to provide insights into how carriers can effectively integrate sustainability into their business strategies.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.Links & More:Sustainable Aviation Outlook Report 2024 - SimpliFlying Sustainability in the Air - The Book - SimpliFlyingFrom Ground to Cloud: Will The Billions Invested In Sustainable Aviation Truly Decarbonise The Industry? - SimpliFlyingUnderstanding Sustainable Aviation in 40 Charts (Plus, Case Studies!) - SimpliFlying  

In this episode, we talk to Eloa Guillotin, the Co-Founder & CEO at Beyond Aero. Founded with the vision of providing a sustainable alternative to traditional private jets, Beyond Aero aims to revolutionise the industry by focusing on the CS-23 certification category for a six-passenger aircraft.Guillotin discusses Beyond Aero’s innovative approach to aircraft design, which involves a 100% electric powertrain powered by hydrogen fuel cells. This design choice allows for an extended range of up to 800 nautical miles, making it suitable for popular routes in Europe and the United States. She also highlights the company’s core focus on redesigning aircraft architecture around the hydrogen powertrain while leveraging existing subsystems and partnerships with suppliers.Central to the conversation is the growing demand for sustainable private jet travel and the positive market response to Beyond Aero’s vision. Guillotin reveals that the company has secured over $600 million in letters of intent for their planned business aircraft from a diverse client base, including private jet operators, high-net-worth individuals, and public personalities.Furthermore, Guillotin also addresses the challenges surrounding hydrogen availability and infrastructure, emphasising that Beyond Aero is part of a larger industry shift towards hydrogen-powered aviation. She discusses the company’s partnerships with over 50 airports worldwide, led by Aéroports de Paris (ADP), to develop hydrogen refueling facilities and implement these infrastructures.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Anders Forslund, CEO of Heart Aerospace who shares how regional electric air travel can transform the aviation industry. 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:Beyond Aero France’s Beyond Aero Flies Hydrogen-Electric Demonstrator - Aviation Week Network Beyond Aero Takes on Private Jet Emissions with Hydrogen-Powered Vision - SimpliFlying Why Heart Aerospace’s electric aircraft is a gamechanger - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Mark Edwards, Head of Sustainability at London Gatwick. As one of the busiest airports in Europe, Gatwick has set an ambitious target to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the UK’s national target.Edwards discusses Gatwick’s multi-faceted approach to sustainability, which includes addressing Scope 1 and 2 emissions through the use of renewable electricity, transitioning away from fossil fuels through the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and gradually converting their vehicle fleet to electric. He also touches upon the challenges of reducing Scope 3 emissions, which primarily come from airline operations and are outside the airport’s direct control.Edwards elaborates on Gatwick’s role in supporting sustainable aviation initiatives. He highlights the airport’s efforts to increase the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the region, engage passengers about carbon offsetting and SAF, advocate for government support, and potentially incentivise airlines to use more SAF. In addition, Edwards also shares Gatwick’s preparations to support the future use of hydrogen and electric-powered aircraft, emphasising the importance of collaboration with airlines and manufacturers to ensure the airport is “jet zero ready.” Please note: This interview was recorded in January 2024. Since then London Gatwick Airport has swapped diesel for HVO. Moreover, the public hearing for the Northern Runway Project began in February 2024.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Robb Etnyre, General Manager of Truckee Tahoe Airport, who shares how the airport has become the first in the world to fully transition to 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:London Gatwick Airport Sustainability - London Gatwick Airport London Gatwick switches 300 diesel vehicles to hydrotreated vegetable oil - Passenger Terminal Today Gatwick’s Plans For Second Runway Take Shape - Aviation Week Network How Truckee Tahoe Airport is transitioning towards its 100% SAF goal - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Rachel Gardner-Poole, who chairs the Zero Emission Flight (ZEF) Delivery Group within the UK’s Jet Zero Council. Established in 2020, the Jet Zero Council is a collaborative effort between the government, industry, and academia to achieve net zero emissions in UK aviation by 2050.Gardner-Poole discusses the UK Government’s multi-departmental involvement in the Jet Zero Council, highlighting the importance of cross-departmental collaboration in achieving net zero emissions. The conversation centers on the various strategies and technologies being explored to decarbonise UK aviation. Gardner-Poole emphasises the crucial role of SAF in the UK’s decarbonisation strategy, with a target of 10% SAF by 2030. She also discusses the potential of hydrogen and electric aircraft, particularly for short-haul flights and smaller aircraft, while acknowledging the longer timeline for their widespread adoption.Gardner-Poole touches upon the challenges associated with developing the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen and electric aircraft, as well as the importance of international cooperation in making zero-emission flight viable on a global scale. She also addresses the Jet Zero Council’s focus on non-CO2 emissions and contrails, and the ongoing research in this area.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with 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. 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: Jet Zero Council - GOV.UK Jet Zero Council announces two-year plan for UK aviation decarbonisation - Airport TechnologyUK Jet Zero Council details plans to accelerate SAF production - Biodiesel MagazineUK Proposes Revenue Scheme to Support Sustainable Fuel Industry - Aviation Week Network Australia in Lock-step with UK on Net Zero - Australian Flying 

In this episode, we speak with Robb Etnyre, General Manager at Truckee Tahoe Airport (KTRK), a pioneering general aviation airport that has become the first in the world to fully transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Located near the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Truckee Tahoe Airport serves a diverse range of private and business aviation customers.Etnyre shares the story of KTRK’s decision to power 100% of their flights using SAF, driven by the impacts of climate change witnessed firsthand in the region, such as severe wildfires and smoke. He highlights the airport’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, particularly its scope 3 emissions from jet fuel sales, which amount to approximately 500,000 gallons annually. Etnyre also discusses the role of stakeholder engagement and education in the successful adoption of SAF. He also shares the customer response to Truckee Tahoe Airport’s SAF transition, noting the general support from most operators who align with the airport’s sustainability goals.Etnyre delves into the challenges of ensuring a reliable and cost-effective SAF supply chain for small airports, while also highlighting their potential in driving significant change in the industry by sending strong market signals for low-carbon fuels.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, about the sustainability initiatives at one of the largest airports in the world. 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:Truckee Tahoe Airport Sustainable Aviation Fuel - Truckee Tahoe AirportTruckee Tahoe Airport Goes All-in on Sustainable Aviation Fuel - Airport Improvement Avfuel expands SAF reach with supply at Truckee Tahoe Airport District - Bioenergy International How do you decarbonise a major airport? - SimpliFlying