Sustainability In The Air

SATAVIA wants to solve a majorly ignored aspect of aviation’s climate impactIn this episode, we talk to Adam Durant, Founder & CEO of SATAVIA, about the groundbreaking work being done in the field of contrail reduction and its implications on the environment.Contrails are the long, thin clouds that often form behind an airplane in cold and humid conditions when water vapor freezes around small dust and soot particles from the engine. Although they look harmless, contrails are made up of small ice crystals that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere and contribute to global warming – one study suggests contrails are responsible for as much as 57% of aviation’s warming impact. Durant talks about how addressing contrail formation is an important sustainability problem that can be tackled effectively with current technology and resources. He says that only “persistent” contrails, formed by about 5% of flights, are at fault. Moreover, he emphasises that not all contrails are harmful; some even have a cooling effect. He suggests a strategic approach, avoiding contrails that cause warming while possibly utilising those that have a cooling effect. Overall, while delving into the fascinating science of contrails and the technical details of how SATAVIA’s software helps airlines such as Etihad and KLM avoid contrail formation, Durant stresses the importance of looking beyond carbon emissions to fully grasp and manage the aviation sector's impact on climate change.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with ex-Etihad CEO Tony Dougas who shared how Etihad is paving the way for the entire industry to move a step closer to net-zero. 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:Technology - SATAVIA    Contrails are a problem for aviation -- but there could be an easy solution - CNN The contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing for 2000 to 2018 - ScienceDirect Etihad Airways signs multi-year commercial production contract with Satavia - Times AerospaceContrails prevention specialist SATAVIA seeks carbon-credit accreditation - Aviation Week NetworkInstitute for Atmospheric Physics - Contrail Cirrus Prediction Model (CoCiP)Gold Standard approves aircraft contrails methodology concept - Gold Standard Project Contrails – Google Research How Etihad is leading the industry towards a sustainable future - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Sara Bogdan, Head of Sustainability and ESG at JetBlue Airways, one of the two airlines in the world planning to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 – a full decade ahead of the industry's target.Bogdan talks about sustainability in the aviation industry, with a particular focus on JetBlue's pioneering efforts. Beginning with a broad overview of global environmental challenges, she highlights various initiatives to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and employ sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). We also learn about the airline's collaborative approach with suppliers, government agencies, and stakeholders. The complexity of balancing business growth with environmental impact is explored, with an emphasis on the necessity for transparency, innovation, and accountability. If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with JetBlue Ventures President Amy Burr who shared how JetBlue’s technology investments are aiding the aviation sector to make progressive moves towards sustainability. 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 Announces Science-based Emissions Reduction Target and Strategy to Achieve Net Zero by 2040 - JetBlueUnited, JetBlue further investments in sustainability - PhocusWire JetBlue, Shell ink sustainable fuel deal trackable using blockchain - Ledger InsightsJetBlue to allow travellers to contribute towards SAF - Business Travel NewsJetBlue Partners With CHOOSE To Give Customers Tools To Scale Sustainable Flying - TravelPulseJetBlue signs SAF supply agreement with AIR COMPANY - Airport Technology Amy Burr on how JetBlue Ventures is investing in the future of sustainable aviation - SimpliFlying  How Sara Bogdan is taking JetBlue towards net zero via SAF and more - SimpliFlying 

The airline aiming for net zero 22 years before the industry targetIn this episode, we talk to Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper about KLM’s bold gambit in utilising regional aviation as a testbed for its overall sustainability strategy. KLM Cityhopper, the regional subsidiary of the Dutch airline KLM, has an ambitious and focused vision for reaching net zero this decade itself. While discussing the sustainability challenges in the aviation industry, Koopmans also acknowledges the significant role of climate activists and changing consumer behaviours. Koopmans emphasises the importance of people, particularly the young generation, in driving change and encourages them to join companies like KLM. Most importantly, Koopmans stresses the necessity of narrowing one’s focus in order to achieve tangible results. So how exactly does KLM Cityhopper intend to get to net zero by 2028? Listen to our episode and find out.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with SkyTeam Alliance’s CEO Patrick Roux who outlines the alliance’s role in enabling airlines’ net zero journey. 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:KLM Group’s CO2 emission reduction targets for 2030 approved by SBTi - KLM KLM completes inaugural Sustainable Flight Challenge using GE Jet Engines - The GE Aerospace Blog. Sustainable Flight Challenge: KLM and KLM Cityhopper to LA and Trondheim - Bluebiz KLM doubles sustainable fuel surcharge to cover cost of more SAF - Runway Girl Network KLM starts collaboration with AeroDelft student team: building a hydrogen plane - KLM KLM to officially launch rail-air service between Brussels and Amsterdam – Business Traveller Why SkyTeam believes the world needs “conscious travel” - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Nadia Kaddouri, former Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer for Swissport International, the leading provider of airport ground services and air cargo handling based on revenue and number of airports served. In this episode, Kaddouri stresses that the hope for a net-zero future lies in people’s excitement and willingness to adopt sustainability measures. While laying out Swissport’s vision and plans for a net-zero future, she highlights the wider scope of sustainability beyond decarbonisation and acknowledges the impactful role of COVID-19 in changing industry work practices.We also learn about Kaddouri’s fascinating shift from heading finance to leading sustainability. She emphasises the importance of passion and continuous learning in navigating new fields and shares her approach to learning about sustainability, which includes drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as other companies, suppliers, and podcasts. If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Dubai International Airport’s CEO Paul Griffiths. He talks at length about the sustainability initiatives at one of the largest airports in the world. 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:Swissport International AG - Sustainability Swissport announces new sustainability targets - Passenger Terminal TodaySwissport to reduce its CO2 emissions by at least 42 percent by 2032 - BTN Swissport embraces growth and green logistics - Air Cargo News Amsterdam Schiphol ground handling vehicles to run on Neste renewable diesel - AviationSource News ➡️ How do you decarbonise a major airport? - SimpliFlying 

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