Less CO₂-e, less plastic and more women in leadership roles. Air New Zealand has released its latest sustainability report and the future is looking bright!
The sustainability report tackles key themes, including climate change and carbon reduction, embracing diversity and inclusion, supporting sustainable tourism, working with suppliers and reducing waste and plastic.
Pretty much all the important things in life right now!
Air New Zealand is also acutely aware that its success is inextricably linked to the success of New Zealand and vice versa. Therefore it is incredibly important for Air New Zealand to be constantly working towards a greener and more sustainable future.
The 2019 sustainability highlights
- More than 180,000 customer journeys offset via the airline’s FlyNeutral voluntary carbon offsetting programme, which is 40% more than in 2018!
- More than 2,500 tonnes of fuel and more than 8,000 tonnes of CO₂-e has been saved by plugging aircraft into ground power at the gate.
- Women in senior leadership positions increased to 44% from 39% in 2018.
- More than 400 threatened creatures and conservation dogs have been transported for the Department of Conservation.
- 5.71 million passengers flown on the airline’s regional network – up from 5.36 million in 2018
- By the end of October, nearly 55 million plastic items would have been removed or replaced with lower impact alternatives.
- A huge 120 tonnes of unopened items have been reinjected onto aircraft instead of going to landfill.
A brighter future…
Air New Zealand is committed to a purpose that’s bigger than themselves – that is to supercharge New Zealand’s success socially, environmentally and economically.
“We know this is a journey and we can’t achieve all that is needed by ourselves. We require ongoing concerted effort and strong collaboration with our employees, customers, suppliers, and other New Zealand businesses if we’re to make the kind of ambitious difference that will shape a strong future for both our company and New Zealand.”
Air New Zealand Head of Sustainability Lisa Daniell says she is pleased at the airline’s progress against its goals, but admits there is still much work to be done.
“We have set ourselves some ambitious targets, but we’ve made great strides against our goals over the past 12 months. Ultimately though, responding to the climate crisis remains our single biggest sustainability challenge.”
Lisa Daniell, Air New Zealand Head of Sustainability
The airline continues to build efficiencies in its own operation and invest in more modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to curb carbon emissions.
It’s also delighted to see an increase in the number of travellers who offset their emissions from flying over the past year. Going forward, they would love to see more corporate customers commit to offsetting their flights as well.
SUSTAINABLE AGENTS: Do you ask your clients if they wish to offset their flights when booking?