Air New Zealand Abandons 2030 Carbon Emissions Reduction Target: Challenges in Obtaining Cleaner Fuels and More Efficient Aircraft

Auckland, New Zealand New Zealand
Air New Zealand abandons 2030 carbon emissions reduction target
Air New Zealand remains committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by mid-century
Challenges in obtaining cleaner fuels and more efficient aircraft cited as reasons
New near-term target being considered
Air New Zealand Abandons 2030 Carbon Emissions Reduction Target: Challenges in Obtaining Cleaner Fuels and More Efficient Aircraft

Air New Zealand, the national carrier of New Zealand, has abandoned its 2030 carbon emissions reduction target due to challenges in obtaining cleaner fuels and more efficient aircraft. The airline announced this decision on July 30, citing potential delays in fleet renewal plans and global manufacturing and supply chain issues as reasons for the withdrawal from the Science Based Targets initiative.

Air New Zealand had aimed to reduce carbon intensity by 28.9% by 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline, but it now appears that this goal will not be met. The airline is considering a new near-term target and remains committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by mid-century.

The aviation sector faces significant challenges in reducing its carbon footprint. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are currently not produced at scale, and their prices are higher than traditional fuels. Additionally, the production of hydrogen as a fuel or the development of electric aircraft remains far from commercialization.

Air New Zealand's decision to abandon its 2030 climate target is significant because it marks the first major carrier to do so. The airline industry is estimated to produce around 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and airlines have been trying to reduce these emissions through measures such as replacing older aircraft and using fuel from renewable sources.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a net zero emissions target for the aviation industry by 2050. However, achieving this goal will require significant investments in new technologies and infrastructure, as well as supportive policies from governments.

Air New Zealand's decision to abandon its climate target is a reminder of the challenges facing the aviation sector in reducing its carbon emissions. While it is disappointing that the airline was unable to meet its 2030 target, it remains important for companies and industries to continue working towards net zero emissions by mid-century.


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Confidence

96%

Doubts
  • Are there any alternative solutions being explored by Air New Zealand?
  • Is the abandonment of the target permanent?

Sources

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Air New Zealand scraps 2030 carbon emissions target

Al Jazeera Media Network Al Jazeera Tuesday, 30 July 2024 11:22
  • Unique Points
    • Air New Zealand has scrapped its 2030 carbon emissions target
    • Lack of availability of newer fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative jet fuels is the reason for the scrapping of the target
  • Accuracy
    • Air New Zealand is the first major carrier to back away from such a climate target
    • Air New Zealand had planned to reduce overall carbon emissions by X percent by 2030
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

81%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Air New Zealand becomes first major carrier to drop climate goal

BBC News Site: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68702081, About Us URL: https://www.bbc.com/aboutthebbc/ João da Tuesday, 30 July 2024 11:25
  • Unique Points
    • Air New Zealand has abandoned its 2030 goal to cut carbon emissions
    • Air New Zealand is the first major carrier to back away from such a climate target
    • Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are a key part of the sector’s strategy to cut emissions but production is not at scale and prices are higher than traditional fuels
  • Accuracy
    • Air New Zealand may need to retain its existing fleet for longer than planned due to global manufacturing and supply chain issues
  • Deception (30%)
    The article does not clearly state the author's opinions or deceptive practices as outlined in the rules. However, there is an example of selective reporting which is a form of deception. The article highlights Air New Zealand's decision to abandon its 2030 carbon emissions goal while mentioning that it still aims for net zero emissions by 2050, but it does not disclose that the industry-wide goal is under threat from various factors including government support and availability of sustainable aviation fuels. This omission could be seen as an attempt to present the situation in a more negative light.
    • The move makes it the first major carrier to back away from such a climate target.
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The author makes an appeal to circumstance when stating that 'difficulties securing more efficient planes and sustainable jet fuel' have caused Air New Zealand to abandon its climate goal. This is a form of appeal to circumstances fallacy as it implies that external factors beyond the control of Air New Zealand are solely responsible for their inability to meet their target.
    • The move makes it the first major carrier to back away from such a climate target.', 'In recent months, and more so in the last few weeks, it has also become apparent that potential delays to our fleet renewal plan pose an additional risk to the target’s achievability.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author does not demonstrate any clear bias in the article. However, there are a few instances where the language used could be perceived as slightly negative towards Air New Zealand for abandoning their climate goal. The author states that Air New Zealand is 'the first major carrier to back away from such a climate target' and that they have 'abandoned' their goal. While this language may not be intentionally biased, it could potentially give readers the impression that Air New Zealand is being irresponsible or uncommitted to addressing climate change. Additionally, the author quotes Ellis Taylor from Cirium stating that 'The price of [SAF] is more expensive than traditional fuels, and there is not enough capacity to produce that at scale.' This statement could be perceived as implying a negative view towards the availability and affordability of sustainable aviation fuels. However, it is important to note that this quote does not necessarily reflect the author's bias, but rather the current challenges facing the aviation industry in implementing sustainable solutions. Overall, while there may be some subtle language choices that could be perceived as slightly negative towards Air New Zealand and the challenges of implementing sustainable aviation fuels, there is no clear or egregious bias present in the article.
    • ']It has also become apparent that potential delays to our fleet renewal plan pose an additional risk to the target's achievability[
      • ]The first major carrier to back away from such a climate target[
        • ']The price of [SAF] is more expensive than traditional fuels, and there is not enough capacity to produce that at scale[
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        80%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Air New Zealand pulls the plug on 2030 climate targets

        Radio New Zealand Jemima Huston Monday, 29 July 2024 23:22
        • Unique Points
          • Air New Zealand has withdrawn from the Science Based Targets initiative and removed its 2030 carbon intensity reduction target.
          • New aircraft and alternative jet fuels are hard to obtain and expensive for Air New Zealand.
          • CEO Greg Foran mentioned supply chain issues and expenses could slow the introduction of newer, more fuel efficient aircraft into the fleet.
        • Accuracy
          • Air New Zealand is considering a new near-term carbon emissions reduction target.
          • Air New Zealand remains committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
        • Deception (30%)
          The author makes editorializing statements and uses emotional manipulation by quoting experts who express disappointment and call the airline's actions 'disappointing' and 'unrealistic'. The article also engages in selective reporting by only presenting quotes from experts that support the author's position, implying that Air New Zealand is not making sufficient efforts to reduce its carbon emissions.
          • He called for national emission reduction regulations for airlines.
          • Professor Sara Walton from the University of Otago’s climate change research network said industry leaders in the climate and emissions space were crucial. 'If we do not support a science based decarbonisation transition then we can quickly digress into setting voluntary targets that are meaningless in terms of meeting essential carbon budgets.' A 2050 net zero commitment is not enough... We need 2030 commitments to help mitigate and stay within the carbon budgets for a 2 degree world. It is incredibly disappointing to see any company move away from such ambition.'
          • Sustainable transport researcher Dr Paul Callister said Air New Zealand’s climate target was unrealistic and was never going to be achieved.
          • An Air New Zealand plane. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The author makes an appeal to authority when quoting Dr. Paul Callister and Professor Sara Walton's opinions on the unrealistic nature of Air New Zealand's climate targets and the need for regulation in the aviation industry. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that 'it is becoming a pattern in the aviation industry to set bold emissions targets and not meet them.'
          • An Air New Zealand plane. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon Sustainable transport researcher Dr Paul Callister said Air New Zealand’s climate target was unrealistic and was never going to be achieved.
          • Professor Sara Walton from the University of Otago’s climate change research network said industry leaders in the climate and emissions space were crucial. 'If we do not support a science based decarbonisation transition then we can quickly digress into setting voluntary targets that are meaningless in terms of meeting essential carbon budgets. A 2050 net zero commitment is not enough... We need 2030 commitments to help mitigate and stay within the carbon budgets for a 2 degree world. It is incredibly disappointing to see any company move away from such ambition.'
        • Bias (90%)
          The author quotes Dr. Paul Callister expressing his opinion that Air New Zealand's climate target was unrealistic and would not be achieved due to the lack of availability and affordability of sustainable fuels and new aircraft. The author also quotes Professor Sara Walton expressing her disappointment in Air New Zealand moving away from a 2030 commitment towards net zero emissions.
          • An Air New Zealand plane. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon Sustainable transport researcher Dr Paul Callister said Air New Zealand’s climate target was unrealistic and was never going to be achieved.
            • Professor Sara Walton from the University of Otago’s climate change research network said industry leaders in the climate and emissions space were crucial.
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            97%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            Air New Zealand Axes Climate Goal on Sector’s Green Struggle

            BNN Bloomberg Inc. David Stringer Tuesday, 30 July 2024 02:24
            • Unique Points
              • Air New Zealand has abandoned its 2030 climate target due to challenges in obtaining cleaner fuels and more efficient aircraft.
              • Air New Zealand is no longer a part of the Science Based Targets initiative.
            • Accuracy
              • Air New Zealand has abandoned its 2030 climate target
              • Air New Zealand has scrapped its 2030 carbon emissions target
              • Air New Zealand has withdrawn from the Science Based Targets initiative and removed its 2030 carbon intensity reduction target.
            • Deception (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Fallacies (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Bias (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication