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  

In this episode, we talk to Dave Kettner, President and General Counsel at Virent about the company’s innovative contributions to renewable energy and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future in aviation.Kettner emphasises their breakthroughs in renewable fuels, particularly their BioForming process that converts plant carbohydrates into bioformate, a green alternative to petroleum products. This process is used to create sustainable gasoline, aviation fuel, and materials for various industries, marking a shift to plant-based resources.Kettner also highlights Virent’s rapid conversion of plant sugars into fuels and chemicals, a faster alternative to natural oil formation. Despite varying global views on biofuels, he remains positive, citing agricultural advancements. A notable project is their collaboration with Virgin Atlantic on a 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel flight, showcasing their technology's practical use. Virent plans to globally license its technology, aiming to decrease aviation emissions and foster a more sustainable industry, aligning with their commitment to renewable energy development.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Amy Ruddock, VP Europe and Middle East at Carbon Engineering, who explains how Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology – that removes carbon dioxide directly out of the atmosphere – can help decarbonise 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:Virent and Johnson Matthey's SAF breakthrough powers Virgin Atlantic's historic 100% sustainable transatlantic flight - Hydrocarbon ProcessingLighting the SAFterburners: Virent, Air bp, Virgin, Gevo, Axens, ECARU, others accelerating on SAF - Biofuels Digest Rolls-Royce and Gulfstream test 100% SAF blend in G650 twin-jet; HEFA and SAK - Green Car Congress Madison company's plant-based biofuel powers engine of Boeing 777 jet - Madison Virent developing environmentally friendly bottles for Coke How Direct Air Capture technology could ensure long-term SAF supply - SimpliFlying

In this episode we talk to Dr Susanne Becken, Professor of Sustainable Tourism at Griffith University, Australia, who discusses various aspects of sustainable travel and its relationship with climate change.With her roots in Germany, current engagement at Griffith University in Australia, and residing in New Zealand, Becken is a unique voice in sustainable tourism. Her global lifestyle has fostered a deep connection with airlines, fuelling her dedication to enhancing their sustainability. Becken has widely published on the topics of sustainable tourism, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, tourist behavior, environmental policy, and risk management. She was a contributing author to the Fourth and the Fifth IPCC Assessment Reports. In the episode, she is particularly vocal about the tangible impacts of climate change, referencing the year’s unprecedented climate anomalies and highlighting the susceptibility of tourism destinations to environmental catastrophes.The conversation also revolves around the challenges with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the complexities of transitioning to sustainable aviation. Becken also calls for the implementation of ecological ceilings in tourism to manage carrying capacity and reduce environmental impacts, advocating for a shift from volume-based to value-based tourism models.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Red Sea Global’s CEO John Pagano who shared how the giga-project developer is rethinking eco-tourism, enabling true climate-positive travel. 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:Ecological ceiling - The Doughnut EconomyThere’s a buzz about ‘sustainable’ fuels – but they cannot solve aviation’s colossal climate woes - The Conversation Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Strategy - Pacific Farmers Can there be ultra long-haul flights in a net zero world? - CNA How Red Sea Global’s ambitious eco-tourism model could save the planet - SimpliFlying Implications of preferential access to land and clean energy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels - Becken et al. (2023)Knowledge alone won’t “fix it”: building regenerative literacy - Becken and Coghlan (2022)

In this episode we talk to 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. They produce sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha, with plans to create renewable propane and green hydrogen.Gebolys delves into the intricacies and future of SAF in this conversation. Emphasising World Energy’s transition from a biofuels company to a leader in SAF, he highlights the critical role of hydrogen in SAF production and the need for innovation in hydrogen sourcing. Gebolys sheds light on their groundbreaking green hydrogen project in Newfoundland, Canada, and the importance of balancing first and second-generation biofuels.We’ll also learn about California’s regulatory framework, which has been pivotal in the development of SAF, as well as the ‘book and claim’ methodology, a crucial strategy for extending SAF’s impact globally. The conversation underscores the importance of corporate partnerships, with companies like Microsoft and DHL playing key roles in SAF adoption. Gebolys envisions a future where SAF usage is standard, driven by customer demand and a collaborative effort from all industry stakeholders. If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Gregory Constantine, Co-Founder and CEO of Air Company which is transforming CO2 into clean alcohols and fuel. 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:World Energy Clean Energy 101: Book and Claim - RMIMicrosoft and World Energy sign landmark 10-year book-and claim SAF deal – GreenAir News Etihad Airways and World Energy partner to demonstrate the future of net-zero aviation, making book & claim real - Etihad World Energy GH2 secures land approval for its green hydrogen project - Offshore Energy 

In this episode, we talk to 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.We will learn about BA’s short-, medium- and long-term initiatives to support greener flying, its CO2llaborate platform that embeds sustainability into the customer journey, the comprehensive employee engagement program, and the airline’s strong focus on operational efficiencies. Harris also highlights BA’s investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the airline’s efforts to reduce waste and single-use plastics, and its research project on contrails and non-CO2 emissions.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Air France’s Director of Sustainability and New Mobilities, Vincent Etchebehere, who shares the airline’s short- and long-term pathways to net zero emissions, intermodal partnerships and the importance of 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:BA Better World - British Airways Sustainability at British Airways 2023 - British Airways BA, Lanzajet & Nova Pangaea move closer towards large-scale production of SAF in the UK - British Airways British Airways Co2llaborate platform - Chooose How Air France plans to exceed the EU’s decarbonisation targets - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we speak with SimpliFlying’s CEO Shashank Nigam, and Head of Sustainability Dirk Singer, about the launch of their brand new book, ‘Sustainability in the Air.’The aviation industry finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the environmental consequences of its operations. While today aviation’s global share of greenhouse gases is around 3%, that could grow to 22% by 2050 if left unchecked. But the authors of Sustainability in the Air argue that this is not a doomsday scenario; it’s a call to action. In their book, Dirk and Shashank delve into the industry’s challenges while painting a picture of hope through a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable aviation. The book however, isn't just a roadmap; it tells the stories of people in the aviation industry and within climate tech, striving for aviation’s net zero future.Featuring industry leaders like Etihad, SkyTeam, JetBlue, and innovators like AIR COMPANY, Heart Aerospace, ZeroAvia, Archer, ‘Sustainability in the Air’ shines a light on the positive changes that aviation can make while offering concrete solutions.You can learn more about the book here, or order it on Amazon.Links & More:Sustainability in the Air: Innovators Transforming Aviation for a Greener Future - SimpliFlying How JetBlue plans to get to net zero by 2040 without stifling growth - SimpliFlyingHow AIR COMPANY is transforming CO2 into clean alcohols and fuel - SimpliFlying  Why Heart Aerospace’s electric aircraft is a gamechanger - SimpliFlying Why ZeroAvia believes that hydrogen propulsion is the future - SimpliFlyingWhy eVTOLS will change the way we live, travel and spend time - SimpliFlying  

In this episode we talk to Hiske Arts, Campaigner at Fossil Free NL (Fossielvrij NL), a Dutch citizens’ movement seeking to “break the power of the fossil fuel industry”. Arts voices her concerns about the aviation industry’s contributions to the climate crisis and emphasises her scepticism about the aviation industry’s genuine commitment to addressing climate concerns. The conversation delves into the concept of a “carbon budget” and the aviation industry’s emissions, with Hiske arguing that the sector faces unique challenges to become sustainable. We also learn about the growth trajectory of the aviation sector, with much of the debate centring on the responsibility of developed nations versus developing nations in tackling emissions. Arts maintains that developed nations, due to their historical contributions to emissions, should take the lead in addressing climate change. This view is reflected in her stance on the aviation industry’s growth aspirations; Arts believes that true sustainability cannot coexist with the current emphasis on continual growth. Please note: When talking about SBTi, Hiske mistakenly mentions that they delay emissions reductions until after 2030. What she meant to say was that SBTi targets are delaying steep emission reductions until after 2030.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with the International Council on Clean Transportation’s (ICCT) Program Director, Dan Rutherford, who dives deep into the future of sustainable aviation and the trajectory airlines and governments need to follow to get to net-zero emissions.. 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:The Fossil Free Movement - Fossielvrij NLFossielVrij NL v. KLM - Climate Change LitigationDutch government presses ahead with Schiphol flight cap as airlines protest - Reuters    Would a frequent flying tax be progressive? - International Council on Clean Transportation Dan Rutherford on net-zero roadmaps and transitioning to sustainable technologies - SimpliFlying

In this episode we talk to Nathan Millecam, President & CEO of Electric Power Systems (EP Systems) about designing the perfect battery to power electric aircraft.Millecam’s company is a pioneer in aircraft battery technology. His journey began with a role at Honeywell Aerospace, where he worked on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s power system. This introduced him to the potential of lithium-ion batteries in aviation. He then started EP Systems in 2016 to explore the potential application of lithium-ion batteries in aircraft, given their improving power density and followed this up with learnings from collaborating with NASA on their X-57 experimental electric aircraft project. We’ll also learn about the company’s partnerships with Ampaire and REGENT and the intricacies and practicalities of designing and customising batteries for hybrid-electric and all-electric planes. Millecam points out the significant savings associated with running battery-powered aircraft as compared to sticking with traditional jet combustion engines.While discussing JetBlue Ventures’ investment in the company, he also stresses the importance of economic viability in sustainable aviation. He elaborates on battery technology advancements, emphasising quick recharging, and real-world applications and reveals when the public can expect to actually experience all-electric planes.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:EPiC propulsion battery - EP Systems Ampaire chooses EP Systems to supply battery packs for hybrid-electric Eco Caravan - Avionics International Performance analysis of regional electric aircraft - ICCTElectric airplane industry & trends - Toptal EP Systems enters strategic partnership with REGENT - Avionics International Electric Power Systems awarded the Energy Storage System for the NASA X-57 Maxwell all-electric aircraft - EP Systems South America’s ‘lithium fields’ reveal the dark side of our electric future - Euronews Amy Burr on how JetBlue Ventures is investing in the future of sustainable aviation - SimpliFlying 

In this episode we talk to Daniel Wiegand, Co-founder & Chief Engineer for Innovation and Future Programmes at Lilium. He shares Lilium’s vision to revolutionise regional air mobility by building the world’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet.While most eVTOLs are seen as advanced versions of helicopters, Lilium Jet’s unique design allows for passengers to be transported using vertical takeoff and landing, and then proceed with what they’re terming “jet propulsion” for travel. The company expects its first eVTOL jet to enter commercial service by the end of 2025.Speaking about the future, Wiegand mentions that commercial operations are likely to start post certification in 2025, targeting the premium segment. He concludes by discussing their collaboration strategy, combining aerospace precision with automotive scalability, and how their carefully nurtured partnerships support a joint vision of sustainable aviation.Please note: This interview was recorded in April 2023. By the time of the episode release,  Lilium had completed its fourth and final Design Organization Approval by EASA, and had raised additional funding bringing the total raised this year to $292 million. If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder at Archer Aviation; Bonny Simi, Joby Aviation’s Head of Air Operations and People; and André Stein, Chief Strategy Officer at Eve Air Mobility.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.For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:The extraordinary batteries Lilium will use for its odd eVTOL approach - New AtlasHoneywell and DENSO are developing a motor for Lilium’s eVTOL aircraft - Avionics InternationalLilium partners with Ferrovial to build network of 10+ vertiports in Florida - Vertical Mag Why eVTOLS will change the way we live, travel and spend time - SimpliFlying Joby wants to alleviate the pain and frustration of getting from home to your airline seat - SimpliFlying  Lilium completes final audit in major step towards achieving EASA Design Organization Approval - Lilium 

In this episode we talk to Andrea Carroll, Group Head of Sustainability at daa, about how the global airport group is taking a holistic approach to sustainability and fostering a climate positive culture that promotes sustainability as a shared responsibility.daa group are the commercial semi-state operators of Dublin and Cork airports; airport retail operators (ARI) and management consulting (daai). As daa has grown to have a presence in about 15 countries, it has shed its previous name: “Dublin Airport Authority”. Its current operations extend beyond Ireland’s two largest airports – Dublin and Cork – to the Middle East, Canada, APAC, and Europe. Their business model is diverse, and they even have investments in airports in Cyprus and Düsseldorf.We will learn about the daa's global footprint and its commitment to sustainability, including decarbonisation efforts like integrating solar farms, circularity initiatives to reduce waste, and measures to enhance local environments. The conversation underscores the significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, with daa actively coordinating with airlines, local communities, and even policymakers.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Paul Griffiths, CEO at Dubai International Airport 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:Creating a climate positive culture for the daa – International Airport Review HVO propelling sustainability at Dublin Airport – Certa Sustainability Reports – daa ESG – daa International Dublin Airport Environmental Working Group – Dublin Airport➡️ How do you decarbonise a major airport? – SimpliFlying