FROM THE CEO
Over the past two years we’ve seen what aviation means to all of us in Australia – mostly from its absence. I’ve seen it firsthand on some of the international flights I’ve taken recently. I met a couple with a young baby flying to meet the grandparents for the first time. Another was travelling to and from London to bring his mother back to meet her grandchild, while another was trying to get home quickly to visit a sick relative. One was starting a new job. And increasing numbers of people were finally taking holidays that have been on hold. These stories illustrate what aviation means to us and the importance of being able to connect to the rest of the world. People travel for good reason.
We also know that the aviation industry needs to significantly reduce its impact on the environment so that future generations can enjoy travel the same way we do. But it’s not a choice between flying or protecting the environment. We can do both.
We’ve recently released the Qantas Group Climate Action Plan outlining the steps we need to take to reach our target of net zero by 2050. As part of the plan, we’ve set an interim target to reduce carbon emissions by 25 per cent by 2030 using the technology that’s available to us now. Our aim is that when you get on a Qantas or Jetstar flight at the end of the decade it will most likely be on a next-generation aircraft that burns about 15 to 20 per cent less fuel than the aircraft they’ll replace. By then, your flight will be powered by at least 10 per cent sustainable aviation fuel, which reduces emissions by up to 80 per cent compared with fossil fuels. We’re already using it on flights from London and soon from Los Angeles. Onboard, the biggest change you’ll notice will be no single-use plastics and your food will be served in compostable or recyclable packaging. You’ll still be able to completely offset your flight through our world-leading Fly Carbon Neutral program.
We know that responding to climate change is a huge challenge but we can get there with the commitment of our people and our customers and we’ll keep enjoying the things we love about flying.