Wheels Up Podcast Series

A plane taking off the runway against the sunrise representing TD Cowen's wheels up podcast focused on airlines and their ESG efforts.
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Wheels Up, hosted by Helane Becker, TD Cowen’s Airlines, Airfreight, & Aircraft Leasing Analyst, features guests who discuss their ESG efforts in the airlines industry.

Episode 1: United’s Take On Turning Garbage Into Aviation Fuel

Lauren Riley, United Airlines Chief Sustainability Officer, joins Helene Becker, Cowen’s Airlines, Airfreight, & Aircraft Leasing analyst to discuss the steps United is taking to get to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, including developing sustainable aviation fuels and using electric vehicles at airports. Press play to listen to the podcast.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 2: SAF, Star Ventures, & Alaska’s Sustainability Journey

Helane Becker, Cowen’s Airlines, Airfreight & Aircraft Leasing Analyst, goes behind the scenes with Alaska Air Group’s SVP of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Diana Birkett Rakow, to get the scoop on Alaska Air’s plans to reduce their carbon footprint–including plans to purchase 185 MM gallons of SAF from Gevo over five years beginning in 2026. They also discuss the company’s commitment to inclusion & diversity, which is crucial considering the Airline’s presence in Alaska, where several cities depend on air service for survival.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 3: Decarbonizing Aviation and Developing Human Capital with Delta Air Lines

Cherie Wilson, Vice President of Government Affairs and Amelia DeLuca, Vice President of Sustainability for Delta Air Lines join Helane Becker, Cowen’s Airlines, Airfreight & Aircraft Leasing Analyst. They discuss Delta’s efforts to lower their carbon footprint and how they’re working toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050. They also discuss how they work with regulatory affairs and legal to stay ahead of a constantly changing regulatory and policy environment.

For the full transcript click here

Episode 4: Letting Sustainability Take Flight With American Airlines 

Vice President of Sustainability joins Helane Becker, Airlines, Airfreight & Aircraft Leasing Analyst. They discuss how the airline is working to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Efforts include contracting for SAF and creating meaningful fuel savings through more efficient routing. They also speak about American’s latest sustainability report

For the full transcript click here

Episode 5: 2024 Travel Outlook: Continued Strong Leisure Demand

Helane Becker, Airlines and Aircraft Leasing Analyst and Kevin Kopelman, Online Travel and Hotel Analyst discuss the 2024 outlook for the travel sector. They discuss inflationary pressures, improving air traffic control, competitor growth, and other industry trends.

For the full transcript click here


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