Voluntary Emissions Contribution Programme
When you make a Voluntary Emissions Contribution with Air New Zealand, half your contribution now goes towards sustainable aviation fuel, a form of alternative jet fuel commonly referred to as SAF.
The other half goes to our partner, Trees That Count, to support native nature projects around New Zealand. In the last three years, Air New Zealand passengers have funded more than 400,000 native trees across the country.
Working towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050
Air New Zealand is targeting net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The main way we'll achieve this is by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and using more SAF as it becomes more available. Apart from reducing flying, SAF is considered the main way to decarbonise air travel in the short- and medium-term, as it has lower lifecycle emissions than traditional jet fuel.
When you make a Voluntary Emissions Contribution, you're paying for a small portion of SAF which has been delivered into the aviation fuel system, and the emissions savings from that portion are allocated to you and no other passengers. Contributing to SAF doesn't reduce the emissions on the flight you book with us, but it does support Air New Zealand's use of SAF and lower lifecycle carbon emissions from aviation overall.
What is SAF and how does it work?
Sustainable aviation fuel is a form of alternative jet fuel commonly referred to as SAF. It's almost chemically identical to conventional jet fuel but is made from raw materials like used cooking oil or forestry waste instead of fossil fuels.
While SAF releases the same amount of carbon as regular fuel when it's used in an aircraft, SAF has lower carbon emissions over its lifecycle because of what it's made from and how it's made.
Raw materialsAs plants grow, they absorb carbon dioxide. This carbon is stored in biomass, such as forestry and crop waste.
ProductionSAF is produced from these biomass raw materials. It's blended with traditional jet fuel, and then certified and delivered into the jet fuel system.
UseSAF can be used in existing aircraft, just like fossil jet fuel. It creates the same amount of CO2 when combusted, but over its lifecycle it has lower carbon emissions because the carbon comes from biomass and was absorbed from the atmosphere.
CustomersApart from reducing flying, SAF is one of the main levers available to decarbonise air travel. Airlines are offering the emissions reductions from SAF to their customers in exchange for a contribution towards SAF.
Voluntary emissions reporting for business travel
Air New Zealand has partnered with Chooose to help you understand the carbon footprint associated with your organisation's air travel on Air New Zealand services. Find out more about the Corporate Emissions Platform.