Air NZ unveils new sustainability plan

Air NZ Christopher Luxon. Photo / Dean Purcell

Air New Zealand has launched a swathe of new projects and goals as part of its new "sustainability framework" aimed at being economic, environmental and social.

Chief executive Christopher Luxon unveiled the company's plans which included several significant milestones, at a breakfast event attended by several hundred business leaders and managers in Auckland this morning.

Under the new plan, Air New Zealand will be implementing a supplier code of conduct to ensure its suppliers are committed to similar social and environmental goals, as well as using ethically sourced materials.

We see the success of our business as being inextricably linked to the success of our country.

Air NZ chief executive Christopher Luxon

It also announced the extension of its partnerships with both the Department of Conservation, resulting in a further investment of $1 million annually, and with Antarctica New Zealand and the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute.

The company will also transition its road vehicle fleet to 100 per cent electrical vehicles, starting in the next few months, with a long term goal for the company to be carbon neutral. Luxon admitted they were "stretching targets", however he added that if they could do it there was no reason other companies couldn't.

"We see the success of our business as being inextricably linked to the success of our country - Air New Zealand needs a strong and prosperous New Zealand and in turn, New Zealand needs a successful and thriving national airline," said Luxon.

"Given the significance of this business to New Zealand we have signed ourselves up to a mission and purpose bigger than ourselves - that is to supercharge New Zealand's success - socially, environmentally and economically."

The sustainability report is a result of research from the company's staff and customers focused on what they wanted to see from the airline.

"Key themes to emerge from the research were around enabling knowledge and inspiration as well as helping young Kiwis and emerging businesses to succeed. In the coming year we'll be launching several significant initiatives that support these themes," said Luxon.