New Zealand’s National Carrier Drops 2030 Emissions Reduction Target

The airline says potential delays to its fleet renewal program and the availability of sustainable jet fuels were major challenges.

An Air New Zealand plane is seen during game two of the Women's ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hagley Oval on December 15, 2023 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

Air New Zealand will remove its 2030 emissions reduction target, and withdraw from the U.N.-backed Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) aimed at corporate action on climate change.

The airline’s goal to reduce its carbon intensity by 28.9 percent by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) has now been scrapped due to several factors, including access to new planes and alternative jet fuel.