Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) first became legal in 2009, and we've gone from pilot projects to small commercial scale in just a short period of time.
There have been great innovations and airlines have engaged to really make that happen. One of the key pieces of the puzzle is reducing carbon within liquid fuel. Joel Makower: How are airlines doing? Are you seeing any encouraging signs?Īngela Foster-Rice: We absolutely are seeing engagement by airlines. So there's growing demand and interest from business travelers and also from general travelers for airlines to reduce their carbon footprint.
Joel Makower: How would you describe what business travelers expect right now from airlines when it comes to sustainability?Īngela Foster-Rice: Something like 65% of customers are now making decisions on whether companies are aligned with their ethical beliefs, such as a need to protect the environment. If we see customers increase their interest in airlines reducing their emissions, the airlines that are ready to go and have options for the customers are going to benefit. The COVID period has been a moment of pause and reflection, and we're going to see how customers respond post-COVID to the actions that airlines are taking. Joel Makower: What would it take for there to be a race to the top, where each airline wants to outdo each other in addressing the climate crisis?Īngela Foster-Rice: I think we're about to find that out, to be quite honest. But I don’t think that COVID will have a long-term impact on sustainability goals. I think that's exactly the right answer and that's how you build trust with your customers and your other stakeholders.
I think we’re going to see a pause in some sustainability efforts because the airlines need to take care of their employees, customers, and communities that have been impacted by COVID. Along with the industry as a whole, individual airlines have also made bolder commitments. Do you anticipate that the current business slowdown will impact airlines’ sustainability initiatives?Īngela Foster-Rice: From what I'm hearing-both in public statements and also in private conversations-the airline industry is very committed to meeting the goals it has already established. Joel Makower: One of the realities of the moment is that the airline industry is hurting and is on a path to recovery that’s probably going to take a while. What's different now is that expectations are much higher, so we need to see whether the industry can meet those growing expectations. Joel Makower: Angela, from the perspective of your 15-year career, how would you describe the aviation industry's sustainability journey to this point?Īngela Foster-Rice: Back in 2008, the industry made very aggressive carbon-reduction goals, and I think it's done a really terrific job keeping its commitment.