Airline’s Dumped Climate Goal Opens Door for Industry to Follow

Air New Zealand Ltd.’s decision to ditch its 2030 emissions target suggests more airlines will also have to confront a harsh reality: There’s simply not enough sustainable fuel or new, more-efficient aircraft.

This double-whammy has left the world’s commercial carriers, among the planet’s biggest polluters, without their two best decarbonization weapons. Global supply of sustainable aviation fuel will be just 0.5% of total fuel requirements this year, according to the International Air Transport Association.

At the same time, Boeing Co. and Airbus SE can’t make jets fast enough. Boeing, under pressure from regulators, has slowed output to improve quality. Airbus ...