Air New Zealand has abandoned its goal to cut its carbon emissions by almost 29% by 2030, blaming the difficulties of securing more efficient planes and sustainable jet fuel.

BBC News says the move makes it the first major air carrier to back away from such a climate target.

The airline added it is working on a new short-term target, and that it remains committed to an industry-wide goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

"In recent months, and more so in the last few weeks, it has also become apparent that potential delays to our fleet renewal plan pose an additional risk to the target's achievability," Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Greg Foran, said in the statement.

In 2022, Air New Zealand adopted a 2030 target to cut its emissions by almost 29%, a reduction far more ambitious than a 5% reduction goal over the same period set by the global aviation industry.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are a key part of the sector's strategy to cut emissions, but airlines have struggled to buy enough of it, and have balked at the price.

International airlines body IATA said the industry’s emissions reduction target was "net zero 2050 and airlines are not cutting back on the pledge".

It added that while this target was achievable, "we are also reliant on the right supportive measures from governments."