Interview with Airbus’s Kevin Goddard

Could you describe your responsibilities at Airbus and what roles you have had within ASD?

I have been working in the aviation sector for around thirty-six years, having had the privilege to work across many functions – engineering, procurement, programmes, sustainability – different aircraft programmes and across a number of countries. Sustainability touches all functions and areas of our organisations, so understanding the wider business implications has been an important part of my current work. 

For the last fourteen years, I have been a member of the Airbus Sustainability team and I am currently focusing on external engagement in the EU, UK and with our international association the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG). My involvement with ASD started around six years ago with the Environment Commission, which I have chaired for around five years. 

What has been the main motivation for you to be involved in ASD working groups?

When it comes to sustainability and the environment, ASD members have many interests in common, where a joint approach can have a considerably better impact than working at the individual company level. This often extends to our airline, airports and ANSP [air navigation service provider] partners as well.

The Destination 2050 report is a good example where the European industry came together with a common roadmap and goal. As an association we need to continually strive for an ambitious sustainability agenda for our industry, but backed by credible arguments and plans, especially related to the specificities of aerospace and defence.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your involvement with ASD working bodies?

I am very fortunate to have great vice chairs and experts from the different companies contributing to the Environment Commission work. The EU’s Green Deal, announced in 2019, has created a significant workload for the Environment Commission, and the level of team work to answer the many consultations, creating position papers and engaging with the institutions has been impressive. 

Looking back over your time and work with ASD, what do you consider the most significant milestone or success in the aeronautics sector in recent years?

I think the coming together of the entire European industry around the industry’s climate roadmap ‘Destination 2050’ has to be up there as one of the significant milestones for ASD.

This is coupled with the ability to align as ASD on many of the Green Deal’s regulatory issues and to develop our position and voice in Brussels, especially where we need to strike the right balance between Europe and international agreements in ICAO. The original equipment manufacturers play a crucial in this perspective, where around 75% of our commercial products are exported outside the EU.

What role does ASD play in and for the European aerospace, security and defence industry landscape, and how has it evolved over time?

When I started in the environment field nearly fifteen years ago, it was very difficult to move the agenda in a proactive way. This has changed immeasurably in recent years. Sustainability is one of the top priorities for our organisations, the institutions and most importantly, the public. 

I think this has had a positive and direct impact on ASD’s priorities and engagement in the last five years, especially in the breadth of different subjects such as sustainable finance, renewable energy, chemicals, market based measures. 

From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges that ASD and the European aerospace sector will face in the next decade, and how is ASD positioned to address them?

From a sustainability perspective, one important aspect is to now deliver on our climate commitments! Demonstrating progress will be an important test to ensure that we have the license to grow our industry in the future. And we cannot do this alone. The Commission, Member States and the European Parliament will need to play their role in our journey as well, whether through funding important programmes or creating the right smart policies that support both emission reductions and the competitiveness of the European industry. 

We also know that the non-CO2 impacts of aviation will also need to be addressed, both in terms of increasing scientific understanding, as well as developing effective mitigation solutions. Whilst civil aviation has taken the limelight in recent years, we must not forget the growing pressure to mitigate defence’s climate footprint as well. But it is not just about the climate. Regulations impacting on our industrial activities, such as REACH (especially PFAS), Ecodesign for Sustainable Products, industrial emissions etc. will be important to address, as well as addressing noise and air quality aspects.

I am optimistic that our organisations are at the forefront of developing and bringing to the market innovative new products and services to make a substantial difference for future generations. We have challenging but rewarding work ahead in the ASD Environment Commission!