Air New Zealand dumps 2030 carbon intensity targets in climate policy shift

(Reuters) -Air New Zealand said on Tuesday it would drop its 2030 carbon intensity reduction target, marking a big shift as global airlines struggle to cope with aircraft shortages and tight supply of sustainable aviation fuel.

Global conflicts are leading to airlines taking longer routes, raising concerns if the aviation industry could meet the target for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 that the global trade body International Air Transport Association (IATA) adopted in 2021.

"It is possible the airline may need to retain its existing fleet for longer than planned due to global manufacturing and supply chain issues that could potentially slow the introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft into the fleet", Air New Zealand's CEO Greg Foran said in a statement.

The country's flagship carrier said it was considering a new near-term carbon emissions reduction target, adding it remained committed to its 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goal.

(Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)