Sustainability In The Air – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we speak with Julia Fidler, former Director of Market Development for Energy, Connectivity, and Sustainability at Microsoft, who shares how the company built partnerships that are reshaping corporate approaches to scope 3 emissions.

Fidler discusses:

• How Microsoft’s early carbon fee on scope 1, 2, and 3.6 emissions created the foundation for treating business travel not just as a measurable category, but as a gateway to solving fuel emissions.
• How Microsoft’s Sustainability Grant Program supported early exploration of emerging SAF markets through seed funding for consulting guidance and partnerships, creating a model for corporate innovation in hard-to-abate sectors.
• Why Microsoft chose to support the most expensive SAF pathway (e-fuels/power-to-liquids) and how the concept of “green premium” enabled a three-way collaboration between Microsoft, Alaska Airlines, and Twelve.
• How the partnership with IAG and the Chooose removed barriers for hundreds of Microsoft suppliers to purchase SAF for the first time.
• Why Microsoft’s approach balanced carbon removal procurement with SAF investment alongside demand management, treating these not as competing priorities but as complementary strategies.

Fiddler also shares her journey from corporate travel management to leading industry-defining collaborations with airlines and SAF producers, and discusses how she’ll now be scaling these lessons globally through her new role at the RSB.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Etosha Cave, Co-founder & Chief Science Officer of Twelve, who shares how the carbon transformation company harnesses CO2 from industrial waste streams to produce e-fuels. Check it out here. 

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air: Volume 2’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Microsoft Sustainability 

Alaska Airlines teams with Microsoft to aid development of Twelve’s E-Jet power-to-liquid fuel - GreenAir News 

How Microsoft is using an internal carbon fee to reach its carbon negative goal - Microsoft Industry Blogs  

Microsoft signs sustainable aviation fuel purchase deal with IAG to tackle Scope 3 emissions - ESG Today 

Why Twelve believes power-to-liquids will revolutionise sustainable aviation fuel production - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we speak with Matthew Ridley, Director of Sustainability and Innovation at the oneworld Alliance, who shares the story behind the groundbreaking $150 million Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) fund launched in partnership with the alliance’s member airlines and Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV).

Ridley discusses:

• The alliance investment advantage: How pooling resources across oneworld members creates access to world-class venture capital expertise, superior deal flow, more diverse portfolios, and geographical networks.
• Breakthrough Energy’s unprecedented value: Why partnering with BEV provides access to talent airlines struggle to attract, plus synergies with investments in nuclear fusion, energy transmission, and geologic hydrogen.
• Next-generation focus vs. current needs: How the oneworld BEV fund targets technologies that can take aviation beyond 5-10% SAF adoption to truly change the trajectory of decarbonisation, complementing existing investments.
• Breaking the alliance mould: How oneworld moved beyond traditional codeshares and interlining to tackle “initiatives of scale”, and how they attracted Singapore Airlines to join despite not being a oneworld member.
• Reframing aviation’s challenge: Why the problem isn’t aviation itself, but rather the emissions from jet fuel, the only aspect of flight that hasn’t changed since the Kitty Hawk.

Ridley also shares insights from his seven years building IAG’s Hangar 51, where he led first-mover investments in ZeroAvia and LanzaJet, and explains why SAF isn’t a transition fuel but rather a permanent solution once emissions are addressed.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Pasha Saleh, Head of Corporate Development at Alaska Airlines, who shares how the airline is investing in sustainable aviation technologies to achieve its ambitious climate goals. Check it out here. 

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air: Volume 2’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Sustainability - oneworld 

oneworld becomes first airline alliance to join IATA CO2 connect - IATA 

oneworld airline partners join with Breakthrough Energy Ventures to invest in new SAF technologies - GreenAir News 

How Alaska Star Ventures is funding the future of sustainable aviation - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we speak with Etosha Cave, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Twelve, who shares how the carbon transformation company harnesses carbon dioxide from industrial waste streams to produce efuels. 

Twelve is one of the visionary companies featured in our new book Sustainability in the Air: Volume Two. You can learn more about the book and order a copy here.

Cave discusses:

1. Twelve’s carbon transformation technology that mimics photosynthesis, taking CO2 from industrial emissions, air, and landfills, combining it with water and renewable electricity through metal catalysts to create jet fuel and other products.
2. Strategic partnerships with airlines like Alaska Airlines and International Airlines Group (IAG) and tech companies like Microsoft, leveraging growing consumer demand for carbon-neutral travel solutions and the scalability advantages of power-to-liquids.
3. Twelve’s Moses Lake, Washington plant location choice, capitalising on abundant hydropower, state incentives, geographic proximity to partners, and the emerging cleantech hub.
4. How the company navigates political risks around climate incentives by focusing on carbon management as a bipartisan issue that creates jobs and economic value.

Cave also shares her vision for a future with completely closed carbon cycles and explains how Twelve aims to transform waste CO2 into the building blocks for everything from consumer products to aviation fuel.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Nicholas Flanders, Co-Founder & CEO of Twelve, who discusses the crucial role of clean technology in addressing environmental challenges. Check it out here. 

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & more:

E-Jet® Sustainable Aviation Fuel - Twelve 

Twelve and IAG sign historic long-term multi-million gallon SAF offtake agreement - Twelve 

Alaska Airlines, Microsoft and Twelve partner to advance new form of sustainable aviation fuel - Alaska Airlines 

United Airlines Invests in Twelve for Sustainable Aviation Fuel - Carbon Credits 

In this episode, we talk to André Stein, Chief Strategy Officer at Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. 

Stein talks about the transformative potential of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in urban mobility. He explains how Eve is emphasising the passenger experience, striving to cater to a wide demographic, including the elderly, visually impaired, wheelchair users, and addressing concerns like motion sickness. 

We’ll also learn about how Eve leverages the capabilities of its parent company, Embraer, benefitting from its established aviation experience and infrastructure. Furthermore, Stein stresses Eve’s dedication to sustainability – extending from aircraft design to operations, engaging with energy providers for green solutions and collaborating with global entities to achieve broader sustainability targets.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with two other stalwarts in the eVTOL space – Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder at Archer Aviation and Bonny Simi, Head of Air Operations and People and Joby Aviation. Learn more about their visions for the future of urban air mobility here and here.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air”. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:
eVTOL - Eve
Embraer-X
United Airlines invests $15M in Eve, signs purchase sgreement for pp to 400 eVTOLs - Avionics International 
Eve is collaborating with MIT to make data-driven decisions to build the urban air mobility market - Eve Air Mobility
BLADE and Eve announce strategic partnership to expand Urban Air Mobility ecosystem in India - Eve Air Mobility
Why eVTOLS will change the way we live, travel and spend time - SimpliFlying
Joby wants to alleviate the pain and frustration of getting from home to your airline seat - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Amy Ruddock, VP Europe and Middle East at Carbon Engineering. 

Based in British Columbia, Canada, Carbon Engineering aims to combat climate change by globally implementing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology at a megaton-scale. Unlike traditional methods, DAC directly extracts CO2, the key greenhouse gas behind climate change, from the atmosphere, addressing both current unavoidable emissions and past CO2 emissions still present in the atmosphere.

The discussion centers on carbon emissions, capture, and aviation’s role in climate change. Ruddock calls for carbon balance, and discusses the Carbon Engineering and Occidental Petroleum partnership, emphasising strategic alliances and Occidental’s commitment to carbon management. We also learn about carbon capture credits, synthetic aviation fuels, cost reduction, direct air capture hubs, Ruddock’s career and passion for decarbonising aviation, Heathrow expansion, Virgin Atlantic's 100% SAF flight, and Carbon Engineering's global expansion plans.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Gregory Constantine, Co-Founder and CEO of Air Company whose proprietary AIRMADE™ technology that replicates photosynthesis, is converting carbon dioxide into pure alcohols. Initially introducing a carbon-negative vodka, Air Vodka, the company also produces sanitiser and perfume. Crucially, they’ve developed a one-step, 100% drop-in sustainable aviation fuel directly from CO2. Check it out here.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Direct Air Capture Technology - Carbon Engineering 

1PointFive announces agreement with Airbus for the purchase of 400,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits - Decarbonisation Technology

How All Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feedstocks and Production Technologies Can Play a Role in Decarbonizing Aviation - Aviation Pros

Occidental, 1PointFive to Begin Construction of World's Largest Direct Air Capture Plant in the Texas Permian Basin - Oxy

Visualizing the scale of the carbon removal problem - The Verge 

Virgin Atlantic’s 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel gambit - SimpliFlying 

➡️ The company transforming CO2 into clean alcohols and fuel - SimpliFlying 

In the special 50th episode, SimpliFlying CEO and host of the podcast, Shashank Nigam, reflects on the podcast's evolution from its inception on Earth Day 2022. He is joined by the SimpliFlying team members as they record the episode on a boat in London during their annual retreat. 

Shashank begins by highlighting the critical contributions of each member of the SimpliFlying team in the areas of research, writing, production management, design, marketing and distribution. Tracing the podcast's journey, Shashank notes the transition from his initial short YouTube video content to in-depth podcasts, driven by his – and the company’s – increasing interest and curiosity in sustainable aviation. 

Apart from discussing unique features like innovative visual branding and insightful articles that replace traditional transcripts, the team also recalls some of their favourite and most insightful episodes. Red Sea Global’s episode on its regenerative tourism site receives a special mention as it aims to be the largest tourism destination in the world that is powered 100% by renewable energy 24 hours a day. Other noteworthy episodes include interviews with AIR COMPANY, which transforms carbon dioxide into sustainable aviation fuel, and Archer, an electric air taxi firm. The episode on SATAVIA’s contrail reduction technology is mentioned, with Shashank noting its relevance from an earlier conversation with Etihad Airways.

Overall, the team remains optimistic about sustainable aviation’s future, foreseeing innovations in hydrogen fuel and other green technologies. Concluding with light-hearted bloopers and future aspirations, the episode emphasises the podcast’s commitment to advancing discussions on sustainable aviation.

A special shout-out to our sponsors, both past and present, who have championed our podcast since day 1 – CarbonClick, Cirium, and our current sponsor, Travelport. 

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

How Red Sea Global’s ambitious eco-tourism model could save the planet

The company transforming CO2 into clean alcohols and fuel

Why eVTOLS will change the way we live, travel and spend time 

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World - Amazon

The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg - Penguin Random House 

In this episode, we talk to Tom Kershaw, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Travelport, about how technology coupled with a transparent, collaborative approach can lead to a sustainable future. 

Travelport is a travel technology company with transparency at its core. It provides “a single, independent marketplace for buyers and sellers of travel” that helps travellers make informed travel decisions while enabling travel businesses such as airlines and hotels to personalise their content and offers. 

Kershaw asserts that sustainability is a technical problem that requires integration and collaboration across various departments, including revenue, marketing, and technology. He emphasises that sustainability should be a part of the culture in every organisation, not a segregated department.

You’ll also learn about the importance of having standard and transparent calculations for carbon emissions, rather than aiming for absolute accuracy. Kershaw stresses the need for consumers to understand the relative impact of their choices and make informed decisions. Most importantly, the episode explains why the intersection of government policy, corporate responsibility, and technological innovation is crucial for the path ahead.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Red Sea Global’s CEO John Pagano who shares how the developer is rethinking eco-tourism that will allow you to travel not just net-zero, but true climate positive. Check it out here.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

About Travelport

Travelport+ is the platform for modern agency retailing - Travelport

Travelport Joins Travalyst Coalition and Escalates Focus on Sustainability in Travel Retailing - Travelport

IATA CO2 Connect Calculator 

European Green Deal: new law agreed to cut aviation emissions by promoting sustainable aviation fuels - European Commission

US-based United Airlines expects Inflation Reduction Act to spur more SAF output - S&P

➡️ How Red Sea Global’s ambitious eco-tourism model could save the planet - SimpliFlying 

SATAVIA wants to solve a majorly ignored aspect of aviation’s climate impact

In this episode, we talk to Adam Durant, Founder & CEO of SATAVIA, about the groundbreaking work being done in the field of contrail reduction and its implications on the environment.

Contrails are the long, thin clouds that often form behind an airplane in cold and humid conditions when water vapor freezes around small dust and soot particles from the engine. Although they look harmless, contrails are made up of small ice crystals that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere and contribute to global warming – one study suggests contrails are responsible for as much as 57% of aviation’s warming impact. 

Durant talks about how addressing contrail formation is an important sustainability problem that can be tackled effectively with current technology and resources. He says that only “persistent” contrails, formed by about 5% of flights, are at fault. Moreover, he emphasises that not all contrails are harmful; some even have a cooling effect. He suggests a strategic approach, avoiding contrails that cause warming while possibly utilising those that have a cooling effect. 

Overall, while delving into the fascinating science of contrails and the technical details of how SATAVIA’s software helps airlines such as Etihad and KLM avoid contrail formation, Durant stresses the importance of looking beyond carbon emissions to fully grasp and manage the aviation sector's impact on climate change.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with ex-Etihad CEO Tony Dougas who shared how Etihad is paving the way for the entire industry to move a step closer to net-zero. Check it out here.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Technology - SATAVIA    

Contrails are a problem for aviation -- but there could be an easy solution - CNN 

The contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing for 2000 to 2018 - ScienceDirect 

Etihad Airways signs multi-year commercial production contract with Satavia - Times Aerospace

Contrails prevention specialist SATAVIA seeks carbon-credit accreditation - Aviation Week Network

Institute for Atmospheric Physics - Contrail Cirrus Prediction Model (CoCiP)

Gold Standard approves aircraft contrails methodology concept - Gold Standard 

Project Contrails – Google Research 

How Etihad is leading the industry towards a sustainable future - SimpliFlying 

In this episode, we talk to Sara Bogdan, Head of Sustainability and ESG at JetBlue Airways, one of the two airlines in the world planning to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 – a full decade ahead of the industry's target.

Bogdan talks about sustainability in the aviation industry, with a particular focus on JetBlue's pioneering efforts. Beginning with a broad overview of global environmental challenges, she highlights various initiatives to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and employ sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). 

We also learn about the airline's collaborative approach with suppliers, government agencies, and stakeholders. The complexity of balancing business growth with environmental impact is explored, with an emphasis on the necessity for transparency, innovation, and accountability. 

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with JetBlue Ventures President Amy Burr who shared how JetBlue’s technology investments are aiding the aviation sector to make progressive moves towards sustainability. Check it out here.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

JetBlue Announces Science-based Emissions Reduction Target and Strategy to Achieve Net Zero by 2040 - JetBlue

United, JetBlue further investments in sustainability - PhocusWire 

JetBlue, Shell ink sustainable fuel deal trackable using blockchain - Ledger Insights

JetBlue to allow travellers to contribute towards SAF - Business Travel News

JetBlue Partners With CHOOSE To Give Customers Tools To Scale Sustainable Flying - TravelPulse

JetBlue signs SAF supply agreement with AIR COMPANY - Airport Technology 

Amy Burr on how JetBlue Ventures is investing in the future of sustainable aviation - SimpliFlying  

How Sara Bogdan is taking JetBlue towards net zero via SAF and more - SimpliFlying 

The airline aiming for net zero 22 years before the industry target

In this episode, we talk to Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper about KLM’s bold gambit in utilising regional aviation as a testbed for its overall sustainability strategy. 

KLM Cityhopper, the regional subsidiary of the Dutch airline KLM, has an ambitious and focused vision for reaching net zero this decade itself. While discussing the sustainability challenges in the aviation industry, Koopmans also acknowledges the significant role of climate activists and changing consumer behaviours. 

Koopmans emphasises the importance of people, particularly the young generation, in driving change and encourages them to join companies like KLM. Most importantly, Koopmans stresses the necessity of narrowing one’s focus in order to achieve tangible results. So how exactly does KLM Cityhopper intend to get to net zero by 2028? Listen to our episode and find out.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with SkyTeam Alliance’s CEO Patrick Roux who outlines the alliance’s role in enabling airlines’ net zero journey. Check it out here.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

KLM Group’s CO2 emission reduction targets for 2030 approved by SBTi - KLM 

KLM completes inaugural Sustainable Flight Challenge using GE Jet Engines - The GE Aerospace Blog. 

Sustainable Flight Challenge: KLM and KLM Cityhopper to LA and Trondheim - Bluebiz 

KLM doubles sustainable fuel surcharge to cover cost of more SAF - Runway Girl Network 

KLM starts collaboration with AeroDelft student team: building a hydrogen plane - KLM 

KLM to officially launch rail-air service between Brussels and Amsterdam – Business Traveller 

Why SkyTeam believes the world needs “conscious travel” - SimpliFlying