Sustainability In The Air

• How Edmonton International Airport is becoming a “sustainability engine” for Canada

  In this episode, we speak with Marion N Chivot-Legris, Director of ESG & Sustainability Strategy at Edmonton International Airport (YEG), who shares how the Canadian airport is leveraging its unique position to drive sustainability innovation across the region.Chivot-Legris discusses:YEG’s transformation into a “sustainability engine” for the entire region, building an integrated ecosystem that brings together clean energy companies, logistics, agri-food technologies, and education beyond traditional aviation operations.The airport’s leadership in hydrogen development, leveraging Alberta’s position as Canada’s hydrogen corridor, with nearly 60% of the country’s hydrogen produced in the Edmonton metropolitan region, to test use cases from ground vehicles to potential future aircraft.YEG’s methodical approach to hydrogen adoption, starting with Toyota Mirai cars and Hyundai NEXO vehicles before progressing to heavier equipment like hydrogen-diesel dual fuel runway sweepers as stepping stones toward future hydrogen infrastructure.The airport’s complementary approach to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen, and how it’s working with local partners to advance SAF production.Key lessons for airports beginning their sustainability journey: progress doesn’t require perfection, partnerships are essential, and transparency in sharing both successes and challenges builds trust and encourages collaboration.Chivot-Legris also offers unique insights into how airports can serve as innovation hubs that extend their impact far beyond traditional aviation operations.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Swedavia’s Lena Wennberg & Therese Forsström, who share the airport operator’s ambitious plans for a fossil-free future. 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 [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:Environmental, social & governance (ESG) - YEG CorporateHydrogen-powered runway sweepers at Edmonton Airport - International Airport Review Drone Delivery Canada expands collaborative drone operations at Edmonton International Airport - DRONELIFEEdmonton Airport and ZeroAvia partner to develop hydrogen infrastructure in Canada - FTE  

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• Charting the next phase of sustainable aviation: Sustainability in the Air, Vol. II

  In this special episode, SimpliFlying’s CEO Shashank Nigam and Head of Sustainability Dirk Singer sit down with senior leaders from three companies featured in their upcoming book, Sustainability in the Air, Vol. II. Joining the conversation are Jonathon Counsell (Group Head of Sustainability, IAG), Diana Birkett Rakow (SVP of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Alaska Airlines), and Ashwin Jadhav (VP of Business Development, Twelve). Together, they explore how their organisations are addressing aviation’s toughest sustainability challenges — and where the industry is headed next.Here are some key highlights from the episode:Why Volume II? Singer explains why the time was right for a second volume of Sustainability in the Air: the landscape has shifted dramatically in just 18 months, with a sharper focus on commercial viability and real-world implementation.Industry maturation: The sustainable aviation sector has evolved to focus on business benefits beyond environmental credentials — being green alone is no longer enough.IAG’s SAF usage: Counsell shares how IAG has become an industry frontrunner in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), using 162,000 tons last year — about 1.9% of its total fuel consumption.Long-term partnerships:Jadhav discusses Twelve’s landmark 14-year SAF offtake agreement with IAG – an extraordinary commitment in an industry where one-year contracts are the norm.Investing in innovation: Birkett Rakow highlights Alaska Airlines’ approach to sustainability through strategic investments in climate tech companies like Twelve, ZeroAvia, and JetZero via Alaska Star Ventures.Corporate partnerships: The discussion explores how Microsoft’s partnership with Alaska Airlines and Twelve is helping absorb the green premium — demonstrating the role non-aviation players can play in accelerating industry transformation.The role of policy: All three guests weigh in on the urgent need for government support to help scale sustainable aviation solutions.Sustainability in the Air Vol. II will be available soon, and you can preorder your copy now on Amazon. Be among the first to discover these practical insights from airlines, airports, and climate tech companies working to decarbonise aviation.Links & More:Sustainability in the Air: Innovators transforming aviation for a greener future - SimpliFlying Alaska Airlines’ multi-faceted approach to achieving net zero by 2040 - SimpliFlying How Twelve’s carbon transformation technology is making carbon-neutral fuels a reality - SimpliFlying Why IAG is focusing on the practicality of SAF more than emerging technologies - SimpliFlying 

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• How KLM is working towards a zero-emission future in aviation

  In this episode, we speak with Jolanda Stevens, Program Manager for Zero Emission Aviation at KLM, who shares how the airline is preparing for a more sustainable future of aviation through innovative technologies and strategic investment in emerging solutions.Stevens discusses:KLM’s unique approach to innovation with a dedicated team focused on the “disruptive” aviation technology, working on future solutions like electric and hydrogen aircraft whilst maintaining their core flight operations.How different zero-emission technologies will serve specific segments of KLM’s network, with battery-electric suitable for shorter routes, hydrogen for medium-range, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) remaining crucial for long-haul flights.KLM’s systematic process for evaluating potential technology partners based on aircraft concepts, technical assumptions, company credibility, and even “gut feeling” to determine which innovations deserve investment.The airline’s research into passenger perceptions of new technologies, addressing critical questions about safety, comfort, and willingness to pay for sustainable aviation solutions.KLM’s role in driving system-wide transformation, recognising that zero-emission aviation requires changes in infrastructure, legislation, ground handling, and safety protocols across the entire industry.As a pilot who found deeper purpose in sustainability work, Stevens offers unique insights into how a 105-year-old airline is actively shaping aviation’s next technological revolution rather than simply waiting for it to arrive.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Air Lines, who shares the airline’s collaborative vision for sustainability. 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’. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:What KLM does to make air travel more sustainable - KLM KLM and ZeroAvia plan zero-emission demonstration flight using liquid hydrogen - Zeroavia KLM joins Heart Aerospace, will help design its electric turboprop - Aviacionline Why is KLM Calling for Stricter SAF Policies from the EU? - Sustainability Magazine 

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• How a pilot-turned-CEO transformed air travel in the Baltics

  In this episode, we speak with Martin Gauss, former CEO of airBaltic, who transformed the Latvian flag carrier into one of Europe’s most innovative airlines while connecting the entire Baltic region.Gauss discusses:The benefits of operating a single-fleet airline with the highly efficient Airbus A220-300, resulting in 30% lower fuel consumption than older generation aircraft and contributing to airBaltic's path to carbon neutrality by 2050.airBaltic’s innovative dual business model that combines scheduled operations with wet lease services for major carriers like Lufthansa Group, creating flexibility and financial resilience.The airline’s commitment to sustainability through fleet modernisation, gradually increasing SAF usage, and partnerships with innovative manufacturers like Fokker NextGen for hydrogen-powered aircraft.How airBaltic established itself as an industry leader in adopting new technologies, from becoming the first airline to accept Bitcoin in 2014 to pioneering Starlink internet service in Europe.His perspective on balancing growth with sustainability, emphasising that connectivity is essential for economic development while working toward emission-free aviation.The Baltic states’ capacity for innovation, demonstrating how a small country like Latvia can lead the way in aviation technology and sustainability.As an airline pilot-turned-CEO, Gauss offers valuable insights into how smaller airlines can lead industry change through bold technology choices and business model innovation.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), who shares the airline’s ambitious sustainability initiatives. 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’. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:ESG - airBaltic Fokker Next Gen partners with airBaltic on new liquid hydrogen powered commercial aircraft – GreenAir News airBaltic achieves one-Year milestone in increased SAF implementation - Travel And Tour World airBaltic to Expand Training Fleet With All-Electric eD40 - FLYING Magazine 

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  39:46
• How Expliseat helps airlines cut carbon without compromising on comfort

  In this episode, we speak with  Amaury Barberot, CEO of Expliseat, about how the company's innovative lightweight seating technology is delivering immediate sustainability benefits for airlines while improving their bottom line.Barberot discusses:Expliseat's revolutionary aircraft seat design made from carbon fibre and titanium that is 30% lighter than comparable products, saving approximately 1,200 kilograms when retrofitted on an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.The immediate environmental impact of their lightweight seats, which deliver a 6% CO2 emission reduction per passenger without requiring airlines to wait for future technology developments.How the weight reduction focuses on the "invisible parts" of the seat, preserving passenger comfort while still delivering sustainability benefits.The company's circular manufacturing approach, which recycles industrial waste from seat frames to create new components like tray tables, further reducing their environmental footprint.Their recent expansion into the rail industry, where their lightweight technology helps train operators overcome axle weight limitations to improve passenger amenities or increase capacity.Barberot emphasises that Expliseat represents one of the rare sustainability solutions where "CSO and CFO do not fight," highlighting how their technology aligns environmental and economic objectives for airlines across different regions and business models.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO at RECARO Aircraft Seating and Recaro Holding. 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’. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:Expliseat Expliseat Showcases New Lightweight Seating at MRO Americas 2025 - Aviation Pros Why every kilogram counts: the critical role of cabin design in sustainable aviation - SimpliFlying Expliseat TiSeat 2 X: the inside story - Aircraft Interiors International Expliseat brings ultra-light aircraft seats to rail industry - Runway Girl Network Expliseat aims to be lightweight champion in aircraft seats - Flight GlobalHow sustainable aircraft seats can be a game-changer - SimpliFlying  

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