Air France has unveiled a new carbon-dioxide emissions-reduction strategy which it says will cut the airline's total emissions 12% by 2030, compared with 2019, without the use of carbon-offsetting measures. The initiative, known as Air France ACT, aims to reduce CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometre 30% by 2030, versus 2019 levels. This equates to a 12% reduction in Air France's total emissions, which is double the reduction achieved between 2005 and 2019. The airline aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Air France says its strategy "excludes so-called offsetting actions to consider measures that exclusively reduce direct and indirect emissions". A slogan used by sister carrier KLM to promote its voluntary carbon-offsetting programme was recently found to be misleading by Dutch advertising watchdog Stichting Reclame Code, in a preliminary ruling. Air France has set out five mechanisms it will use to achieve its goal. These include fleet renewal with more fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A220 and A350, which the carrier says will make up 70% of its fleet by 2030 – up from 7% now. The airline also aims to increase its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on flights departing from France from 1% to "at least" 10% by 2030, and to 63% in 2050. Eco-piloting techniques such as one-engine taxiing and optimised flight paths will be used to achieve additional emissions reductions, alongside the introduction of "a more responsible catering offer", which will make use of "local, seasonal produce whenever possible", says Air France. The carrier also plans to cultivate a "reinforced partnership" with French rail company SNCF, with the aim of developing an "intermodal transport" network and offering "low-carbon transport alternatives for short-distance journeys". Air France says it has launched a video campaign and a dedicated Air France ACT website, to explain its environmental strategy to the public.

Air Belgium plans to launch flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa to Brussels in September. The two routes, which are subject to approval by the government authorities, will mark the first direct services to the Belgian capital from South Africa, the carrier says. These new direct connection “will give a much-needed boost for the tourism sector, and facilitate business and person-to-person contacts between our two countries, as well as between South Africa and the European institutions,” the airline adds.

Boeing during March booked new 38 net orders for commercial aircraft and delivered 41 jets even as its total order backlog shrank compared with the previous month. The Chicago-based airframer reported that gross orders of 53 aircraft were placed during March, including six 777 freighters and 47 Max jets. That was partially offset by the cancellations of 12 Max jets and three 787s. Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine was a factor in Boeing's decision to cut 152 aircraft orders from its overall backlog during March under accounting standard ASC 606, which factors in uncertainty of fulfilment. The airframer that month also moved 11 aircraft back into its backlog. Overall, the airframer ended March with a backlog of 4,231 orders, down from 4,375 at the end of February. Air Lease Corporation placed the largest single order during March with its purchase agreement for 32 Max 8 and Max 9 aircraft. Orders for an additional 15 Max aircraft were also placed by unidentified customers. DHL Express also ordered six 777 freighters. Aviation Capital Group cancelled one Max order; while Avolon, Air China and CIT Aerospace each cancelled on 787 order. The remaining 11 cancelled Max orders were removed by unidentified customers. Freighter deliveries included two 767-300s shipped to FedEx Express and one 777F shipped to Taiwan-based China Airlines. Deliveries also including 37 Max jets shipped to airlines and lessors. The largest two deliveries were six Max jets shipped to Aeromexico and seven Max sent to Ryanair. Boeing reports that it delivered a total of 95 commercial aircraft during the first quarter of 2022. It plans to disclose its first quarter earnings on 27 April.