Sustainability In The Air

In this episode, we talk to André Stein, Chief Strategy Officer at Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. Stein talks about the transformative potential of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in urban mobility. He explains how Eve is emphasising the passenger experience, striving to cater to a wide demographic, including the elderly, visually impaired, wheelchair users, and addressing concerns like motion sickness. We’ll also learn about how Eve leverages the capabilities of its parent company, Embraer, benefitting from its established aviation experience and infrastructure. Furthermore, Stein stresses Eve’s dedication to sustainability – extending from aircraft design to operations, engaging with energy providers for green solutions and collaborating with global entities to achieve broader sustainability targets.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with two other stalwarts in the eVTOL space – Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder at Archer Aviation and Bonny Simi, Head of Air Operations and People and Joby Aviation. Learn more about their visions for the future of urban air mobility here and 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:eVTOL - Eve Embraer-XUnited Airlines invests $15M in Eve, signs purchase sgreement for pp to 400 eVTOLs - Avionics International  Eve is collaborating with MIT to make data-driven decisions to build the urban air mobility market - Eve Air MobilityBLADE and Eve announce strategic partnership to expand Urban Air Mobility ecosystem in India - Eve Air Mobility 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 

In this episode, we talk to Amy Ruddock, VP Europe and Middle East at Carbon Engineering. Based in British Columbia, Canada, Carbon Engineering aims to combat climate change by globally implementing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology at a megaton-scale. Unlike traditional methods, DAC directly extracts CO2, the key greenhouse gas behind climate change, from the atmosphere, addressing both current unavoidable emissions and past CO2 emissions still present in the atmosphere.The discussion centers on carbon emissions, capture, and aviation’s role in climate change. Ruddock calls for carbon balance, and discusses the Carbon Engineering and Occidental Petroleum partnership, emphasising strategic alliances and Occidental’s commitment to carbon management. We also learn about carbon capture credits, synthetic aviation fuels, cost reduction, direct air capture hubs, Ruddock’s career and passion for decarbonising aviation, Heathrow expansion, Virgin Atlantic's 100% SAF flight, and Carbon Engineering's global expansion plans.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Gregory Constantine, Co-Founder and CEO of Air Company whose proprietary AIRMADE™ technology that replicates photosynthesis, is converting carbon dioxide into pure alcohols. Initially introducing a carbon-negative vodka, Air Vodka, the company also produces sanitiser and perfume. Crucially, they’ve developed a one-step, 100% drop-in sustainable aviation fuel directly from CO2. 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:Direct Air Capture Technology - Carbon Engineering 1PointFive announces agreement with Airbus for the purchase of 400,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits - Decarbonisation TechnologyHow All Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feedstocks and Production Technologies Can Play a Role in Decarbonizing Aviation - Aviation ProsOccidental, 1PointFive to Begin Construction of World's Largest Direct Air Capture Plant in the Texas Permian Basin - OxyVisualizing the scale of the carbon removal problem - The Verge Virgin Atlantic’s 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel gambit - SimpliFlying ➡️ The company transforming CO2 into clean alcohols and fuel - SimpliFlying 

In the special 50th episode, SimpliFlying CEO and host of the podcast, Shashank Nigam, reflects on the podcast's evolution from its inception on Earth Day 2022. He is joined by the SimpliFlying team members as they record the episode on a boat in London during their annual retreat. Shashank begins by highlighting the critical contributions of each member of the SimpliFlying team in the areas of research, writing, production management, design, marketing and distribution. Tracing the podcast's journey, Shashank notes the transition from his initial short YouTube video content to in-depth podcasts, driven by his – and the company’s – increasing interest and curiosity in sustainable aviation. Apart from discussing unique features like innovative visual branding and insightful articles that replace traditional transcripts, the team also recalls some of their favourite and most insightful episodes. Red Sea Global’s episode on its regenerative tourism site receives a special mention as it aims to be the largest tourism destination in the world that is powered 100% by renewable energy 24 hours a day. Other noteworthy episodes include interviews with AIR COMPANY, which transforms carbon dioxide into sustainable aviation fuel, and Archer, an electric air taxi firm. The episode on SATAVIA’s contrail reduction technology is mentioned, with Shashank noting its relevance from an earlier conversation with Etihad Airways.Overall, the team remains optimistic about sustainable aviation’s future, foreseeing innovations in hydrogen fuel and other green technologies. Concluding with light-hearted bloopers and future aspirations, the episode emphasises the podcast’s commitment to advancing discussions on sustainable aviation.A special shout-out to our sponsors, both past and present, who have championed our podcast since day 1 – CarbonClick, Cirium, and our current sponsor, Travelport. 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:How Red Sea Global’s ambitious eco-tourism model could save the planetThe company transforming CO2 into clean alcohols and fuelWhy eVTOLS will change the way we live, travel and spend time Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World - AmazonThe Climate Book by Greta Thunberg - Penguin Random House 

In this episode, we talk to Tom Kershaw, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Travelport, about how technology coupled with a transparent, collaborative approach can lead to a sustainable future. Travelport is a travel technology company with transparency at its core. It provides “a single, independent marketplace for buyers and sellers of travel” that helps travellers make informed travel decisions while enabling travel businesses such as airlines and hotels to personalise their content and offers. Kershaw asserts that sustainability is a technical problem that requires integration and collaboration across various departments, including revenue, marketing, and technology. He emphasises that sustainability should be a part of the culture in every organisation, not a segregated department.You’ll also learn about the importance of having standard and transparent calculations for carbon emissions, rather than aiming for absolute accuracy. Kershaw stresses the need for consumers to understand the relative impact of their choices and make informed decisions. Most importantly, the episode explains why the intersection of government policy, corporate responsibility, and technological innovation is crucial for the path ahead.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Red Sea Global’s CEO John Pagano who shares how the developer is rethinking eco-tourism that will allow you to travel not just net-zero, but true climate positive. 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:About TravelportTravelport+ is the platform for modern agency retailing - TravelportTravelport Joins Travalyst Coalition and Escalates Focus on Sustainability in Travel Retailing - TravelportIATA CO2 Connect Calculator European Green Deal: new law agreed to cut aviation emissions by promoting sustainable aviation fuels - European CommissionUS-based United Airlines expects Inflation Reduction Act to spur more SAF output - S&P➡️ How Red Sea Global’s ambitious eco-tourism model could save the planet - SimpliFlying 

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