From offsetting to insetting: Harbour Air’s innovative approach to sustainable aviation

Sustainability In The Air

In this episode, we talk to three key members of Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline. Harbour Air’s CEO Bert Van Der Stege, Engineering and Quality Manager Erika Holtz, and Head of Digital and Customer Experience Suzanne Bremski discuss the airline’s vision for the future of electric aviation.

Harbour Air has a strong track record of prioritising sustainability, being the first airline to introduce carbon offsetting in 2007. The airline was also the first to operate an electric plane in 2019 with its e-plane initiative, and has committed to build the world’s first all-electric commercial fleet. Harbour Air’s unique operating conditions, including short flight times and low altitudes, make it well-suited for the transition to an all-electric airline.

The conversation also delves into Harbour Air’s shift from carbon offsetting to insetting, which involves taking actions or making investments within the airline’s operations, production or value chain for long-term, sustainable mitigation or avoidance of emissions. The interviewees also discuss the positive customer response to Harbour Air’s electric aviation initiatives, the current state of battery technology, and the importance of collaborations and partnerships in advancing sustainable aviation.

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Harbour Air’s former CEO, Greg McDougall, who discusses the airline’s strong resolve to be an early adopter of disruptive technologies. 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 [e-mail]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Harbour Air

Moving past carbon neutral - Harbour Air

Carbon insetting vs offsetting - World Economic Forum

Harbour Air Delays “eBeaver” Service Entry - Airways

How Harbour Air is revolutionising aviation with their electric aircraft technology - SimpliFlying