Air New Zealand has announced it will no longer pursue its ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions by 28.9% by 2030. This decision comes as a result of delays in receiving new fuel-efficient aircraft and challenges surrounding the affordability and availability of low-carbon jet fuels.
The airline has faced significant hurdles in recent months due to global supply chain issues and manufacturing delays. The availability of new aircraft, including eight Boeing 787 Dreamliners and five Airbus A320neo and A3201neo planes, has been affected. These delays mean Air New Zealand may need to hold onto its existing fleet for longer than planned, impacting its ability to meet its original emissions target.
This announcement serves as a warning sign for the entire aviation industry, which is striving to achieve its climate goals through advancements in aircraft design and the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). While SAF boasts a lower carbon footprint, its production is currently limited, unable to meet the growing demand. The industry's reliance on these emerging technologies, coupled with the challenges of global supply chains, suggests that achieving ambitious emissions targets will be more difficult than previously thought.