Air New Zealand revealed today that it has removed its 2030 science based carbon intensity reduction target, and that it will withdraw from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Initially set in 2022, and validated by the SBTi, Air New Zealand’s ambition targeted a 28.9% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, from a 2019 baseline, of the associated with the “well to wake” emissions from the jet fuel it uses, covering the entire life cycle emissions of the jet fuel.

The target formed part of the airline’s “Flight NZ0” initiative to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Key focus areas targeted by the company to reach its climate goals included increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), fleet renewal, the adoption of zero emissions aircraft technologies, implementing operational carbon efficiencies, and utilizing carbon removals.

In announcements made today on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and Australia Stock Exchange, however, the company said many of the levers needed to reach its 2030 goal “remain challenging,” citing the availability of new aircraft for its fleet renewal initiatives, and the affordability and availability of SAF, as well as regulatory and policy support.

Greg Foran, Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said:

“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. It is possible the airline may need to retain its existing fleet for longer than planned due to global manufacturing and supply chain issues that could potentially slow the introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft into the fleet.”

While the company removed the 2030 goal from its website, it retained the Flight NZ0 and the 2050 net zero ambition. Air New Zealand also said that it has started work on a new near-term target “that could better reflect the challenges relating to aircraft and alternative jet fuel availability within the industry.”

Air New Zealand Chair, Dame Therese Walsh said:

“Air New Zealand remains committed to reaching its 2050 net zero carbon emissions target. Our work to transition away from fossil fuels continues, as does our advocacy for the global and domestic regulatory and policy settings that will help facilitate Air New Zealand, and the wider aviation system in New Zealand, to do its part to mitigate climate change risks.”