Imagine a world where the roar of jet engines gives way to cleaner energy sources, where flight paths are meticulously planned to reduce carbon emissions, and where sustainability principles permeate every aspect of air travel. This vision of the future is rapidly becoming reality through an unprecedented industry transformation led by the newly formed Sustainability and Environment Advisory Committee , comprising representatives from major global airlines.
By August 2025, this committee has assembled aviation leaders from across the world, united by a singular mission: to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for sustainable aviation. The committee's establishment marks a watershed moment in the industry's commitment to environmental protection.
The Green Dream Team: Committee Membership
The committee represents a who's who of global aviation, with each member bringing unique regional perspectives and expertise:
- Myrka Manzo (Air Canada)
- Blaise Brigaud (Air France-KLM Group, representing Air France)
- Jill Blickstein (American Airlines)
- Tomoko Hoya (All Nippon Airways)
- Maria del Mar Whittaker (Avianca)
- Jonathon Counsell (British Airways)
- Grace Cheung (Cathay Pacific)
- Chih-Jen Cheng (China Airlines)
- Wenhui Pi (China Southern Airlines)
- Yehia Galal (EgyptAir)
- Shannon Scott (Emirates)
- Michael Kluge (European Air Transport)
- Sara Sabt (Gulf Air)
- Noriko Ogawa (Japan Airlines)
- Juan José Tohá (LATAM Airlines Group)
- Ruben Schuster (Lufthansa)
- Boris Mak (Singapore Airlines)
- Lauren Riley (United Airlines)
- Luke Ervine (Virgin Atlantic)
Mission and Challenges Ahead
The committee's formation represents more than corporate collaboration—it's a commitment to future generations. Members confront significant challenges:
Technological Innovation: Accelerating development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and more energy-efficient aircraft designs remains paramount. The industry must balance immediate operational needs with long-term environmental goals.
Policy Harmonization: Establishing consistent global environmental standards presents complex diplomatic and logistical hurdles. Divergent regional regulations could create competitive imbalances and additional operational costs.
Public Perception: Despite substantial investments in sustainability, many travelers remain unaware of aviation's environmental progress. The committee must bridge this information gap while managing rising consumer expectations.
Economic Viability: Sustainable solutions often carry higher costs. The committee must help airlines implement green technologies without compromising financial stability in an industry with notoriously thin profit margins.
Charting the Course for Sustainable Aviation
As climate change impacts intensify, the aviation sector faces mounting pressure to transform. This committee's collaborative approach may prove instrumental in developing practical solutions that balance environmental responsibility with operational realities.
The group's work signals a broader shift toward sustainability across industries. Their progress will likely influence regulatory frameworks, technological development, and corporate environmental strategies far beyond aviation.
While challenges remain substantial, the committee's formation demonstrates the aviation industry's recognition of its environmental responsibilities. Their efforts may ultimately determine whether air travel can maintain its vital role in global connectivity while meeting urgent climate goals.