Air New Zealand CEO: 'climate change is the biggest challenge facing the aviation industry'
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran stated "we are acutely aware that to continue to connect Kiwis to the world and the world to us, we must play our part in addressing the impact of aviation on climate change and focus on reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050". Mr Foran said despite the coronavirus pandemic, he believes "climate change is the biggest challenge facing the aviation industry". Mr Foran highlighted the carrier receiving its first delivery of sustainable aviation fuel, and is collaborating with New Zealand's Government "to understand how it could be produced here in New Zealand".
Air Canada emissions down 43% over past 27 years: CEO
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau stated the carrier has reduced carbon emissions by 43% over the last 27 years. Mr Rousseau noted the carrier's sustainable aircraft investments totalling approximately CAD12 billion (USD9.03 billion) have helped achieve this goal, however "more needs to be done" to meet 2050 climate action objectives.
Qatar Airways CEO: Aviation industry needs 'deep pockets' to meet sustainability objectives
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker stated significant investment into new aircraft and technologies will be needed to meet sustainability objectives and mitigate climate change. Mr Al Baker noted the aviation industry "needs deep pockets" to do so, emphasising the risk that airlines won't have the finance needed to invest in sustainable solutions due to short-sighted regulations. Mr Al Baker urged airlines to ensure they have enough liquidity to maintain operations and to invest "at appropriate moments".
Aviation industry experiencing 'big shift coming out of COVID-19': Delta Air Lines CEO
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian reported the aviation industry is experiencing "a big shift coming out of COVID-19". Mr Bastian noted demand levels are higher than what the industry "can possibly handle", with demand to remain high through the end-of-year peak holiday period.
Airbus SAF project lead: 'India has all the ingredients to become a large market for SAF'
Airbus sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project leader Julien Manhes said: "India has all the ingredients [required] to become a large market for SAF". Mr Manhes noted that fuel efficient new generation aircraft comprise 63% of the combined total fleet of Indian airlines at present. He added that Airbus aims "to be the first major aircraft manufacturer to offer a climate neutral commercial aircraft by 2035".
Frontier Airlines CEO: All indications point to continued strong consumer demand
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle reported "all indications" point to continued strong consumer demand, with the strength of the current offseason period "never seen" before by the carrier. Mr Biffle noted the upcoming holiday period, stating it will be "the merriest Christmas [Frontier's] ever had".
Air Europa CEO: In a few months we will only have Boeing planes
Air Europa CEO Jesús Nuño de la Rosa labelled the carrier's recent agreement with Boeing "a key decision", adding that "in a few months we will only have Boeing planes". Mr de la Rosa added "demand has asked us for a new fleet", following the carrier's recovery of its routes and frequencies. The carrier recently signed lease agreements with AerCap for the long term lease of five 787-9s and 10 737 MAX 8s, scheduled to be delivered from 2024 through 2026.
US regional airline industry to be smaller in future due to rising costs: Republic Airways CEO
Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford stated the regional airline industry "will be smaller in the future than it is today" as prices rise and mainline carriers gradually opt out of regional services. Mr Bedford noted this will mean less service, convenience of service, and higher fares.
AASA CEO calls for governments to 'allow all African airlines to operate without restriction'
Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) CEO Aaron Munetsi stated: "Air transport will fulfil its potential only when governments allow all African airlines to operate without restrictions on existing and new intra-African routes". Mr Munetsi said achieving a multilateral approach through the Single African Air Transport Market initiative "requires the necessary political will for its full adoption and implementation throughout Africa".
SITA Americas: US airports 'under mounting pressure' to adopt biometric departure solutions
SITA Americas head of technology Sherry Stein, in an editorial, stated US airports "are under mounting pressure to adopt a US biometric exit solution" to support US Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) aim to screen more than 97% of departing passengers. Ms Stein said the success of CBP's Traveler Verification Service "has changed the game". She also commented: "For airports to fully embrace this change and benefit from biometrics, it's critical to understand the importance of standards, interoperability, and integration with existing infrastructure and processes".