Air New Zealand has launched a new Sustainability Framework, including plans for- where possible – an electric road fleet.
Chief executive officer Christopher Luxon unveiled the framework along with several sustainability initiatives at an event for business leaders in Auckland yesterday.
“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,” says 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 company says it is planning on switching its road-fleet to electric vehicles, and where not feasible, hybrid or best-in-class efficiency conventionally fuelled.
Nissan New Zealand managing director John Manley says the company – which offers the only 100% electric vehicle on the market at the moment, the Leaf, is pleased with the announcement.
“Obviously we are pleased for any company, particularly such a successful and high profile one as Air New Zealand, to be announcing such a move,” Manley says.
Would he like to see his vehicles on the fleet?
“We are happy to work with any company to help them achieve better sustainability.”
Air New Zealand says it will be putting out the first tenders for the new fleet next month, with target to have the fleet changed by the end of 2017.
