In this episode, we talk to Mark Edwards, Head of Sustainability at London Gatwick. As one of the busiest airports in Europe, Gatwick has set an ambitious target to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the UK’s national target. Edwards discusses Gatwick’s multi-faceted approach to sustainability, which includes addressing Scope 1 and 2 emissions through the use of renewable electricity, transitioning away from fossil fuels through the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and...
Apr 11, 2024•44 min•Ep. 78
In this episode, we talk to Rachel Gardner-Poole, who chairs the Zero Emission Flight (ZEF) Delivery Group within the UK’s Jet Zero Council . Established in 2020, the Jet Zero Council is a collaborative effort between the government, industry, and academia to achieve net zero emissions in UK aviation by 2050. Gardner-Poole discusses the UK Government’s multi-departmental involvement in the Jet Zero Council, highlighting the importance of cross-departmental collaboration in achieving net zero emi...
Apr 04, 2024•36 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, we speak with Robb Etnyre, General Manager at Truckee Tahoe Airport (KTRK), a pioneering general aviation airport that has become the first in the world to fully transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Located near the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Truckee Tahoe Airport serves a diverse range of private and business aviation customers. Etnyre shares the story of KTRK’s decision to power 100% of their flights using SAF, driven by the impacts of climate change witn...
Mar 28, 2024•33 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, we speak with Sebnem Erzan, Global Head of Travel Sustainability & Transport at Google. Erzan shares the tech giant’s vision for sustainable travel, which focuses on empowering users with accurate and consistent information to make environmentally conscious travel decisions. Erzan highlights the importance of the Travel Impact Model , a transparent and non-commercial tool developed by Google to calculate carbon emissions for flights. The model, overseen by an independent adv...
Mar 21, 2024•47 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, we talk to Billy Nolen, Chief Safety Officer at Archer Aviation , a leading electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company. Nolen recently joined Archer after a distinguished career at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), bringing with him a wealth of experience in aviation safety and regulation. Nolen provides an in-depth look at Archer’s progress in certifying their eVTOL aircraft, Midnight , for commercial passenger service. He outlines the rigorous FAA ...
Mar 14, 2024•50 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, we talk to Jamila Yamani, Director of Climate & Energy at Salesforce , who shares fascinating insights into the company’s commitment to sustainability, and how the company is taking a unique approach to advancing sustainable aviation as a non-airline entity. Yamani discusses why sustainability matters to Salesforce, emphasising that it’s not just about risk mitigation but also about leveraging their platform to accelerate the global transition to net zero. She highlights Sal...
Mar 07, 2024•40 min•Ep. 73
In this episode, we talk to Andrew Chen, Principal for Aviation Decarbonisation at RMI . Founded in 1982 as Rocky Mountain Institute, RMI is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit that seeks to transform the global energy system to ensure a clean, zero-carbon future. Chen discusses RMI's multi-faceted approach to aviation decarbonisation, which includes stimulating demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and addressing aviation's non-CO2 emissions – specifically, the environmental impacts ...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, we talk to Sangita Sharma, Director of Delta Air Lines’ Sustainable Skies Lab , who shares how the lab is fostering innovation and accelerating a sustainable future for air travel. The Sustainable Skies Lab aims to advance research, design and testing for transformative sustainable innovations, for both near-term and long-term environmental goals. The lab seeks to merge Delta’s extensive operational knowledge with cutting-edge innovations across the aviation industry, creating a...
Feb 22, 2024•40 min•Ep. 71
In this episode, we talk to Nicholas Flanders, Co-Founder and CEO of carbon transformation company, Twelve , who highlights the pivotal role of clean technology in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in hard-to-decarbonise sectors like aviation. The versatility of Twelve’s technology is underscored by their ability to transform CO2 into a wide range of products, from sunglasses and washing detergents to car parts. Twelve’s innovative sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), called E-Jet® ,...
Feb 15, 2024•36 min•Ep. 70
In this episode, we talk to Marie Owens Thomsen , Senior Vice President Sustainability & Chief Economist at the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ), on the integration of sustainability and economics within the aviation sector, highlighting the pivotal role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and the challenges of balancing growth with environmental stewardship. Thomsen emphasises the interconnectedness of economic considerations and environmental sustainability, advocating for ...
Feb 08, 2024•57 min•Ep. 69
In this episode, we talk to Senator Andy Billig , Senate Majority Leader at Washington State Senate, on how he has spearheaded efforts to integrate environmental stewardship with legislative action in Washington State. Billig’s journey in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) began in 2012, leading to pivotal legislation like Senate Bill 5447, which incentivises SAF production to complement Washington’s aerospace and technological sectors. The bill, developed through extensive consultation with stakeh...
Feb 01, 2024•45 min•Ep. 68
In this episode, we talk to Elena Schmidt, Executive Director of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials ( RSB ). RSB is a global, multi-stakeholder independent organisation that drives the development of a new world bio-economy through sustainability solutions, certification, and collaborative partnerships. Schmidt acknowledges the difficulties in decarbonising aviation, given the reliance on fossil fuels and the current limitations of alternatives like hydrogen or electric planes. RSB views...
Jan 25, 2024•47 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, we talk to Jonathon Counsell, Group Head of Sustainability at International Airlines Group (IAG). IAG is the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, LEVEL, IAG Loyalty and IAG Cargo. The group plays a critical role in setting the sustainability strategy and targets for its subsidiary airlines, and collaborates with governments and investors to realise these goals. Counsell emphasises the importance of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in decarbonising aviat...
Jan 18, 2024•49 min•Ep. 66
In this episode, we talk to Amy Hebert, Chair of the Board and CEO at Arcadia eFuels , who discusses the rapidly growing field of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with a focus on e-fuels. eFuels are produced with electricity from renewable sources, water and CO2 and are a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Hebert discusses her entry into the field, driven by the untapped potential for carbon-neutral fuels despite existing technologies like Gas to Liquids and green hydrogen electrolysers. A...
Jan 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 65
Welcome to the holiday edition of Sustainability in the Air, the world's #1 podcast on sustainable aviation. Over the past couple of weeks, we have brought to you some of the finest conversations from our archives with added context based on the latest updates from the companies featured. Following our first holiday special with Scott Kirby , the CEO of United Airlines and second with Amelia DeLuca , Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer, we bring to you our third and final holiday special: a fas...
Jan 04, 2024•58 min
Welcome to the holiday edition of Sustainability in the Air, the world’s #1 podcast on sustainable aviation. Over the next couple of weeks, we will bring to you some of the finest conversations from our archives and add context based on the latest updates from the companies featured. Following up our first holiday special with Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines is our conversation with Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer. Since our episode with Delta —recorded about six mont...
Dec 28, 2023•48 min
Welcome to the holiday edition of Sustainability in the Air, the world’s #1 podcast on sustainable aviation. Over the next couple of weeks, we will bring to you some of the finest conversations from our archives and add context based on the latest updates from the companies featured. First up is our episode with Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, an airline that continues to set new standards in terms of their sustainability commitments and efforts. Since our episode with them—incidentally...
Dec 21, 2023•37 min
In this episode we talk to Bertrand Lestimé, ZEROe Market and Customers Leader at Airbus, who outlines the airframer’s multi-pronged strategy to reach net-zero. Lestimé shares how Airbus is focusing on fleet renewal, improving operational efficiency and air traffic management, and investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and carbon removal technologies. A pivotal part of Airbus’ strategy is the ZEROe project, dedicated to developing hydrogen-powered aircraft, seen as a game-changer for the ...
Dec 14, 2023•48 min•Ep. 64
In this episode we talk to Helen Giles, Managing Director of Environmental Sustainability at Southwest Airlines , who shares how the low-cost carrier is integrating sustainability into its operations. Giles discusses how Southwest is balancing growth with sustainability, the airline’s net zero roadmap and the crucial role of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in reducing the airline’s carbon emissions. She also shares the potential of hydrogen and alternative propulsion systems in aviation, acknow...
Dec 07, 2023•49 min•Ep. 63
In this episode, we talk to Dave Kettner, President and General Counsel at Virent about the company’s innovative contributions to renewable energy and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future in aviation. Kettner emphasises their breakthroughs in renewable fuels, particularly their BioForming process that converts plant carbohydrates into bioformate, a green alternative to petroleum products. This process is used to create sustainable gasoline, aviation fuel, and materials for various in...
Nov 30, 2023•39 min•Ep. 62
In this episode we talk to Dr Susanne Becken , Professor of Sustainable Tourism at Griffith University, Australia, who discusses various aspects of sustainable travel and its relationship with climate change. With her roots in Germany, current engagement at Griffith University in Australia, and residing in New Zealand, Becken is a unique voice in sustainable tourism. Her global lifestyle has fostered a deep connection with airlines, fuelling her dedication to enhancing their sustainability. Beck...
Nov 23, 2023•44 min•Ep. 61
In this episode we talk to Gene Gebolys, President and CEO at World Energy , the world’s first producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that has been in the business of renewable fuels for over 25 years. They produce sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha, with plans to create renewable propane and green hydrogen. Gebolys delves into the intricacies and future of SAF in this conversation. Emphasising World Energy’s transition from a biofuels company to a leader in ...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 60
In this episode, we talk to Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, who discusses the airline’s commitment to net zero, and the overarching BA Better World sustainability strategy. We will learn about BA’s short-, medium- and long-term initiatives to support greener flying, its CO2llaborate platform that embeds sustainability into the customer journey, the comprehensive employee engagement program, and the airline’s strong focus on operational efficiencies. Harris also high...
Nov 09, 2023•56 min•Ep. 59
In this episode, we speak with SimpliFlying’s CEO Shashank Nigam, and Head of Sustainability Dirk Singer, about the launch of their brand new book, ‘ Sustainability in the Air .’ The aviation industry finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the environmental consequences of its operations. While today aviation’s global share of greenhouse gases is around 3%, that could grow to 22% by 2050 if left unchecked. But the authors of Sustainability in the Air argue that this is not a doomsday scena...
Nov 02, 2023•54 min•Ep. 58
In this episode we talk to Hiske Arts, Campaigner at Fossil Free NL ( Fossielvrij NL ), a Dutch citizens’ movement seeking to “break the power of the fossil fuel industry”. Arts voices her concerns about the aviation industry’s contributions to the climate crisis and emphasises her scepticism about the aviation industry’s genuine commitment to addressing climate concerns. The conversation delves into the concept of a “carbon budget” and the aviation industry’s emissions, with Hiske arguing that ...
Oct 26, 2023•56 min•Ep. 57
In this episode we talk to Nathan Millecam, President & CEO of Electric Power Systems ( EP Systems ) about designing the perfect battery to power electric aircraft. Millecam’s company is a pioneer in aircraft battery technology. His journey began with a role at Honeywell Aerospace, where he worked on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s power system. This introduced him to the potential of lithium-ion batteries in aviation. He then started EP Systems in 2016 to explore the potential application of li...
Oct 19, 2023•46 min•Ep. 56
In this episode we talk to Daniel Wiegand, Co-founder & Chief Engineer for Innovation and Future Programmes at Lilium . He shares Lilium’s vision to revolutionise regional air mobility by building the world’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet. While most eVTOLs are seen as advanced versions of helicopters, Lilium Jet’s unique design allows for passengers to be transported using vertical takeoff and landing, and then proceed with what they’re terming “jet propulsion” fo...
Oct 12, 2023•41 min•Ep. 55
In this episode we talk to Andrea Carroll, Group Head of Sustainability at daa , about how the global airport group is taking a holistic approach to sustainability and fostering a climate positive culture that promotes sustainability as a shared responsibility. daa group are the commercial semi-state operators of Dublin and Cork airports; airport retail operators ( ARI ) and management consulting ( daai ). As daa has grown to have a presence in about 15 countries, it has shed its previous name: ...
Oct 05, 2023•51 min•Ep. 54
In this episode, we talk to Haldane Dodd, Executive Director at Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), about how the non-profit is assisting the aviation industry in its net-zero by 2050 journey. Since 1990, the Geneva-based ATAG has brought the industry together to address the most pressing issues of the day. Their membership currently comprises over 40 organisations, including airframe and engine manufacturers, airlines, airports, and sustainable fuel companies. They offer platforms for collaborat...
Sep 28, 2023•54 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, we talk to André Stein, Chief Strategy Officer at Eve Air Mobility , a subsidiary of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. Stein talks about the transformative potential of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in urban mobility. He explains how Eve is emphasising the passenger experience, striving to cater to a wide demographic, including the elderly, visually impaired, wheelchair users, and addressing concerns like motion sickness. We’ll also learn abou...
Sep 21, 2023•50 min•Ep. 52
