Mayanna Berrin, a US citizen based in California sued Delta Air Lines last year for its claims that it operates flights on a carbon-neutral basis. In a class action lawsuit concerning advertisements that the airline has run since early 2020, Berrin said in her plea that the ads were "demonstrably false", as technology does not exist at scale to enable commercial passenger flights to operate on a low-emissions basis.
Her case highlighted the example of Delta advertising itself as "the world's first carbon-neutral airline" - a statement made online, in out-of-home advertising and on napkins handed to passengers. The fact is that multiple airlines including Delta have opted to invest heavily in carbon offsetting. But there has been little impact in terms of the carbon foorpri9nt The story began in 2020 when Delta pledged to achieve carbon neutrality and put aside $1bn for emissions reductions and offsetting over a decade. The airline said it would prioritise investments in nature-based projects that conserve and restore habitats. Soon after the ads and the napkins began circulating.
Many of these high-sounding vague nature-based carbon offsets have come under the spotlight of late because more and more companies like Delta are adopting them. The Guardian, in a huge investigative piece in January, was categorical that carbon credit provider Verra was offering many 'worthless' forest credits to corporations. In another case, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the UK ordered Etihad Airlines to remove two of its social media adverts for "exaggerating" the environmental benefits of its flights. Increasingly this subterfuge is known as 'green-washing'. Delta and Etihad are not the only airlines to face brainwashing accusations recently.
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Cruising Heights.
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Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Cruising Heights.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.