In this episode, we talk to Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen, a company that wants to make hydrogen-powered commercial flight a near-term reality. Universal Hydrogen’s first product is a conversion kit for existing ATR72 and De Havilland Canada Dash-8 aircraft to fly on hydrogen. It includes a fuel cell electric powertrain and lightweight, modular hydrogen capsules transported directly to the aircraft.In this episode, we’ll learn about the potential of modularity in aerospace manufacturing and the urgent necessity for innovative solutions in this space. Emphasising the value of radical changes over incremental improvements, Eremenko argues for exploring alternatives to conventional jet fuel. He makes a compelling case for hydrogen as a potential fuel source, capable of significantly reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint and helping meet global sustainability goals. If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Universal Hydrogen co-founder John-Paul Clarke. He explains how hydrogen – specifically green hydrogen – can help airlines achieve their net zero goals. Check it out here.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:Universal Hydrogen takes to the air with the largest hydrogen fuel cell ever to fly - TechCrunch Universal Hydrogen Dash 8-300 makes second flight - The Air CurrentUniversal Hydrogen moves its flight test campaign to Mojave - Inceptive Mind Universal Hydrogen to offer green solutions for Japanese Airlines - Airport TechnologyUniversal Hydrogen advances ATR 72 hydrogen conversion - Aviation Week Network Meet Lightning McClean, the largest hydrogen-powered plane so far - Move ElectricAir New Zealand announces Heart Aerospace, Universal Hydrogen and Embraer as further Mission Next Gen Aircraft partners - Future Travel ExperienceUniversal Hydrogen lands $20.5m investment, Airbus and JetBlue arms contribute - Flight GlobalAmerican Airlines Invests in Universal Hydrogen Co. - Avionics International  Universal Hydrogen’s vision to get aviation to net zero - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Jane Ashton, Sustainability Director at easyJet, Europe’s second-largest budget carrier. Ashton enumerates the six levers of sustainability that easyJet is working on to get to net zero by 2050, and explains why the airline moved away from betting on electric to hydrogen propulsion. In this episode, we’ll also learn about the various partnerships easyJet is exploring to make hydrogen propulsion a reality; the current status of their partnership with Wright Electric; why the airline has completely disavowed carbon offsetting; and the need for closer industry collaboration as well as the regulatory infrastructure to enable new technologies to scale.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Amanda Simpson, Vice President for Research & Technology (Americas) at Airbus. She elaborates why Airbus firmly believes that hydrogen has the potential to offer a true clean fuel solution to not just aviation but other industries as well. Check it out here.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:Net Zero Pathway – easyJet easyJet publishes SBTi-aligned net-zero roadmap to 2050 - ATAGeasyJet upgrading A320 fleet with Airbus optimisation technology - Simple Flying easyJet switches ‘green’ aviation focus from electric planes to hydrogen fuel - The Independent Rolls-Royce and easyJet test aircraft engine running on hydrogen - The Guardian GKN Aerospace, easyJet partner to promote decarbonization, advance hydrogen technology - Avionics International easyJet urges governments to back Airbus bet on hydrogen - Bloomberg easyJet to ditch landmark carbon offsetting scheme - Financial Times Why Airbus is betting big on hydrogen combustion - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Andreas Aks, CEO of Widerøe Zero, a subsidiary of the Norwegian airline Widerøe. Widerøe Zero has been set up as a consultancy-cum-incubator that seeks to shed the baggage of legacy aviation and usher in a green future. The company aims to tackle the regulatory, commercial and financing challenges involved in purchasing and operating an entirely new class of aircraft.In this episode, we’ll delve into sustainable aviation’s future, particularly focusing on electric and hydrogen-fueled aircraft. We’ll also learn about the need for long-term vision and industry-wide collaboration; exploring the potential of retrofitting existing fleets; and the vital role OEMs and customers play in this future-facing transformation of the aviation industry.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Embraer’s President & CEO Arjan Meijer and Vice President of Marketing and Strategy Rodrigo Silva e Souza. They elaborate on Embraer’s ambitious roadmap for decarbonising regional aviation. Check it out here.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:Nordic airline Wideroe launches unit for emissions-free flying - Reuters Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation - European CommissionWiderøe Zero to launch Air Mobility Lab - Widerøe Zero  Wideroe outlines ambitions for zero-emissions flying - Flight GlobalRolls-Royce Joins Forces with Tecnam, Widerøe on Electric Model - FLYING Magazine Eve and Widerøe expand partnership with order of 50 eVTOL aircraft - Airport TechnologyWiderøe First Airline to Join Embraer’s Energia Advisory Group - EmbraerEmbraer, Widerøe and Rolls-Royce Partner To Pursue Zero Emission Flight - Aero Expo Embraer’s ambitious roadmap for decarbonising regional aviation - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Bonny Simi, Head of Air Operations and People at Joby Aviation. On our podcast, she explains why, thanks to over 10 years of designing, developing and testing, Joby is set to be a leader in the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) space. Thanks to an initial investment by JetBlue Ventures, followed by further investment and an exclusive partnership with Delta Air Lines, Joby expects to enter commercial service in 2025.  We’ll also hear about the company’s grand vision of saving a billion people an hour a day; the value of collaboration and partnerships while building a new aircraft; the benefit of attracting top talent from a variety of companies and building a people-first organisation; and why these so-called electric air taxis will usher in a radical new form of convenient and affordable last-mile transportation. If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder at Archer Aviation. Goldstein explains in detail how eVTOLs will change the way we live, travel and spend time. Check it out here.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:JetBlue invests in flying taxi startup - Travel MoleToyota-backed Joby eVTOL production to start in California, USA - Team-BHP Joby Aviation receives permit to fly first eVTOL built on production line - TechCrunch How Joby and Delta are making flying taxis a reality - CNBCJoby and ANA to operate eVTOL flights at Expo 2025 Osaka - AeroTimeDubai again plans for flying taxi takeoff, this time by 2026 - ET EnergyWorldJoby Aviation Reveals Details of Its New ‘Aviation Academy’ - FLYING Magazine  Why eVTOLS will change the way we live, travel and spend time - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Oscar Munoz, former CEO of United Airlines and recently retired Executive Chairman of the airline’s board. Munoz shares insights from his new book, “Turnaround Time”, a deeply personal account of his time as CEO during which he led United’s remarkable comeback.On our podcast, he explains the pivotal role of empathy and trust in leadership, especially in navigating an organization through crises and fostering an innovative and inclusive culture for long-term success and sustainability.We’ll also hear about the value of diversity and inclusion; innovation during crises like COVID-19; and the future of aviation with sustainability and eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) playing significant roles.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Scott Kirby, the current CEO of United Airlines. Kirby explains in detail how United Airlines is the carrier to look up to when it comes to sustainability strategy and investments. Check it out here.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:Turnaround Time by Oscar Munoz How United’s Oscar Munoz Bounced Back After a Heart Transplant - Fortune 2017 United Express Passenger Removal - WikipediaHow Former United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz Turned the Struggling Airline Around - Inc.com United's Busting Out the Big Bucks On Flying Taxis - Gizmodo Archer, United Airlines to Launch First eVTOL Air Shuttle - Airways Magazine How Scott Kirby is making United Airlines a global leader in sustainability - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Zita Schellekens, SVP Strategy & Sustainability at KLM who explains how a sustainable future can be achieved without sacrificing growth.We’ll hear about KLM’s commitment to sustainability through innovative technologies and collaborations. In addition, the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel, testing new aircraft designs, and integrating sustainability into business decisions are key strategies. We’ll also learn how KLM’s decision to abandon “economic tankering” for environmental reasons exemplifies a willingness to make tough choices for a greener future.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Holly Boyd-Boland, Virgin Atlantic’s VP Corporate Development and Sustainability. She shares how the airline is preparing to conduct a historic 100% SAF flight with its partners; the existing regulatory and technical challenges with procuring, producing and using SAF; and other pathways to net zero by 2050. Check it out here.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.Note: This episode is a part of our SkyTeam special series. In this series, we will highlight SkyTeam member airlines participating in The Sustainable Flight Challenge, and bringing sustainability into flight operations today. Links & More:KLM Group’s CO2 emission reduction targets for 2030 approved by SBTi - KLMTankering in aviation - Transport & Environment EU agrees to decarbonize air travel with the ‘world’s largest green fuels mandate for aviation’ - CNBC KLM starts collaboration with AeroDelft student team: building a hydrogen plane - KLMKLM, SkyNRG and SHV Energy greenlight the world’s largest stand-alone sustainable aviation fuels project - Biofuels DigestNeste to supply the Air France-KLM Group with more than 1 million tons of SAF - ARGSAir France KLM Signs 210 Million Gallon SAF Offtake Agreement With DG Fuels - DGFuels Sustainable Flight Challenge - SkyTeamVirgin Atlantic’s 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel gambit - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Vincent Etchebehere, Director of Sustainability and New Mobilities at Air France who maps out the airline’s short- and long-term pathways to net zero emissions.We’ll also learn about the importance and effectiveness of fleet renewal and how the airline is planning to adopt alternative fuels including hydrogen and reduce its carbon footprint. Etchebehere highlights Air France’s investments in SAF; explains why transparency and science-based communication are crucial; and urges intra-industry cooperation to aid the airline’s efforts to meet its decarbonisation targets.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby who firmly believes that sustainability is the defining issue for our generation to solve. He explains in detail how United is the carrier to look up to when it comes to sustainability strategy and investment; their investments in SAF; and why carbon sequestration is far better than carbon offsetting. Check it out here.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.Note: This episode is a part of our SkyTeam special series. In this series, we will highlight SkyTeam member airlines participating in The Sustainable Flight Challenge, and bringing sustainability into flight operations today. Links & More:France has banned air travel between cities that can be reached easily by train - Business Insider  Fleet modernization, the first lever in the Group’s decarbonization - Air FranceAir France and SNCF to operate an additional 7 “Train + Air” services - Air France Air France-KLM pushes its sustainability targets forward with major multi-year Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) purchase agreements - Air France EU agrees to world’s largest green fuels mandate for aviation - Transport & Environment Air France CEO Anne Rigail sees trains playing a bigger role in her airline’s strategy - Airline Weekly Sustainable Flight Challenge - SkyTeamHow Scott Kirby is making United Airlines a global leader in sustainability - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to SkyTeam Alliance’s CEO Patrick Roux, who outlines the alliance’s role in enabling airlines’ net zero journey. He also discusses The Sustainable Flight Challenge, SkyTeam’s groundbreaking initiative to promote sustainable innovations, and how sustainability can be an integral part of customer experience. We’ll also learn about the importance of collaboration among airlines to achieve sustainability, the evolving customer experience driven by environmental consciousness, the necessity to adapt despite varying regulatory pressures, and the value of sharing innovations and best practices.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh, who shared how the alliance is supporting airlines in stepping up their sustainability game, including efforts such as inter-modal partnerships, a sustainability summit, investment in SAF and more. Check it out here.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.Note: This episode is a part of our SkyTeam special series. In this series, we will highlight SkyTeam member airlines participating in The Sustainable Flight Challenge, and bringing sustainability into flight operations today. Links & More:Sustainable Flight Challenge - SkyTeamImpact of TSFC - SkyTeam SAUDIA participates in SkyTeam’s Sustainable Flight Challenge 2023 in joint effort to make aviation cleaner - Bloomberg Kenya Airways operates its most sustainable boeing 787 flight yet - Simple Flying DB becomes first intermodal partner of the Star Alliance - Railway News How Star Alliance is facilitating a net-zero future in aviation - SimpliFlying

In this episode, we talk to Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability OfficerVice President, at Delta Air Lines. She shares how the next frontier of sustainability is collaboration – not only from collaboration with their SkyTeam airline partners, but also in how it shows up in other spheres whether they’re on the ground or in the air. We’ll also learn about Delta’s single-minded focus on tracking customer preferences and linking them to sustainability; the airline’s efforts to run on 10% SAF by 2030; the aggressive campaign to discard single-use plastics and reduce waste; a unique collaboration with MIT to explore the reduction of airplane contrails; and, of course, the first-of-its-kind Sustainable Skies Lab that seeks to create a space for various stakeholders and innovators to collaborate and realise the future of sustainability. If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Holly Boyd-Boland, Virgin Atlantic’s VP Corporate Development and Sustainability. She shares how the airline is preparing to conduct their historic 100% SAF flight and using SAF and other pathways to net zero by 2050. Check it out here.Reach out to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Note: This episode is a part of our SkyTeam special series. In this series, we will highlight SkyTeam member airlines participating in The Sustainable Flight Challenge, and bringing sustainability into flight operations today. Links and more:Delta Ups onboard sustainability with eco-friendly soft products - Simple FlyingClean Skies for Tomorrow leaders: 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030 - World Economic Forum Delta signs SAF agreement with Gevo - Biomass Magazine California Legislature passes bill to achieve 20% SAF use by 2030 - Biobased Diesel Fort Worth’s Aero Design Labs aims to help Delta Air Lines save fuel, reduce carbon emissions with 'Drag Reduction Kits' - Dallas Innovates  Delta to work with MIT to study impact of airplane contrails on climate - Phys Org Delta Airlines and Joby outline a seamless, sustainable eVTOL passenger experience - APEXDelta Air Lines pushes towards net zero emissions with Sustainable Skies Lab - ForbesVirgin Atlantic’s 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel gambit - SimpliFlying

Later this year, Virgin Atlantic will conduct the world’s first net zero transatlantic flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). If all goes well, it could set the stage for much cleaner flying by the end of this decade.In this episode, we talk to Holly-Boyd Boland, Virgin Atlantic’s VP Corporate Development and Sustainability. She shares how Virgin Atlantic is preparing to conduct the historic flight with its partners and the existing regulatory and technical challenges with procuring, producing and using SAF. We’ll also learn about the importance of studying the impact of contrails on the climate; the potential of carbon capture technology; Virgin Atlantic's corporate SAF programme; their in-flight sustainability initiatives and much more.If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Sheila Remes, Boeing’s Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, who shared how the airframer is collaborating with industry stakeholders – such as Virgin Atlantic – to move aviation towards its 2050 net zero goal. Check it out here.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:[2008] Boeing, Virgin Atlantic and GE Aviation to Fly First Commercial Jet on Biofuel - Boeing Newsroom World’s first net zero transatlantic flight to fly from London in 2023 - GOV.UK Virgin Atlantic purchases 10 million gallons of SAF from Gevo - Biofuels International Magazine Virgin Group plans to use low-carbon fuel made from plastic waste - The Independent Airlines and others collaborate to study contrails - Travel Weekly Protecting our planet - Virgin Atlantic Reducing, reusing and recycling - Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic launches corporate SAF programme - Business Travel News Europe  Boeing’s Sheila Remes in conversation with Shashank Nigam - SimpliFlying