Air New Zealand's Sustainable Flight Plan: Soaring Towards a Greener Future

We are excited to see how we can make inroads onboard our aircraft,” says Kiri Hannifin. Trail of using reusable cups in aircraft as a measure for decarbonizing the environment.

By Shreya M

Air New Zealand believes in connecting people, but it also understands that emissions are impacting the climate and the ecosystem, so using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is the only choice for the foreseeable future. Air New Zealand has set a science-based aim of reducing carbon intensity by 28.9% by 2030, which will require 80 million gallons of SAF each year. The airline has other steps to reduce carbon emissions as well as have sustainable aviation: waste reduction, energy efficiency, electric ground, carbon offsetting, and community engagement.

Air New Zealand is actively developing new waste objectives to help its efforts towards a more circular economy; therefore, in order to reduce waste, a trial was conducted on the 26th and 27th of March 2024 on six domestic flights along domestic lines. The airline removed single-use water and hot drink cups and provided reusable options to customers at 30,000 feet. All single-use cups were just taken out of the airline's lounges in New Zealand. Air New Zealand is actively developing new waste objectives to help its efforts towards a more circular economy.

‘We use millions every year, and we know there are better options that mean much less waste.’ said Air New Zealand’s chief sustainability officer, Kiri Hannifin. “We are excited to see how we can make inroads onboard our aircraft.”

The long-term implementation feasibility of the program will be assessed with the use of information gathered from consumer feedback, operational logistics, and effect. Throughout the trail period, passengers continued to enjoy Air New Zealand’s beverage service, with the airline actively promoting the use of reusable cups. Customers were encouraged to bring their own reusable cup or were provided with one during onboard service.

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