Air New Zealand has abandoned its carbon emissions targets for 2030, attributing this decision to the unavailability of newer, fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative jet fuels.

Chief Executive Greg Foran stated on Tuesday that delays in the airline's fleet renewal strategy present "an additional risk to the target's achievability."

Foran elaborated that the airline might have to extend the use of its current fleet longer than anticipated due to global manufacturing and supply chain challenges, which could hinder the timely integration of more efficient aircraft.

Consequently, and considering that many factors influencing the target are beyond the airline's control, the decision has been made to retract the 2030 target and withdraw from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) immediately.

The airline is also contemplating a new short-term carbon emissions reduction target that would more accurately reflect the industry's challenges regarding aircraft and alternative jet fuel availability. Chair Therese Walsh emphasized that the airline remains dedicated to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

"Our efforts to transition away from fossil fuels persist, as does our advocacy for both global and domestic regulatory frameworks that will enable Air New Zealand and the broader aviation sector in New Zealand to contribute to mitigating climate change risks," Walsh stated.

Previously, Air New Zealand aimed to reduce its overall carbon emissions by 16.3 percent by 2030, using 2019 as a baseline.

This announcement from the national carrier coincides with airlines being compelled to take longer flight paths due to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, thereby increasing their reliance on emissions-producing fuel.