Operational efficiency

Operational efficiency

2008

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) test flight in a Boeing 747 powered by a 50:50 blend of SAF and traditional jet fuel

2020

Air New Zealand commits to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050

2022

Air New Zealand receives first delivery of SAF


In 2016, we engaged an independent IATA Operational Efficiency team to conduct an on-site review of our operations, benchmarking our performance against carbon management international best practice. The average airline carbon reduction measures identified by IATA are 5%. The savings identified for Air New Zealand were much less at 1.46% (approximately 37,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum), which indicates that we are well on the way towards world leading fuel efficiency improvements.

We launched a Carbon Reduction Programme in 2016, focused on realising carbon reduction savings in the air and on the ground by operating in a more efficient way.  Through the Carbon Reduction Programme we have implemented a number of changes throughout our operation and will continue to do so.  Examples of these changes include aircraft switching auxiliary power units off and connecting to electricity while at the gate, and reducing weight on our aircraft to reduce fuel burn. Recognising significant fuel savings can be made through route optimisation and tailored arrivals and departures, we continue to engage with external stakeholders including the Civil Aviation Authority and Airways New Zealand as part of our Carbon Reduction Programme to help drive industry-wide initiatives.

In December 2022, a cross functional Turboprop Carbon Reduction Governance Group was established with senior leaders from across the business. The purpose of the group is to realise the carbon reduction opportunities in the Turboprop fleet, provide the necessary support to address barriers and implement new practices and to empower pilots to safely engage in climate action. A Turboprop Carbon Reduction Delivery Group has also been formed to introduce carbon reduction policies, procedures, standards and training strategies to optimise Turboprop flight operations. To embed sustainability thinking in the Turboprop pilot cohort, education sessions have been included in the Turboprop pilot technical refresher courses. These presentations introduce sustainability, specifically decarbonisation to the Turboprop pilot group.


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