Senior Air France Pilot Quits Due To Environmental Guilt

Senior Air France Pilot Quits Due To Environmental Guilt

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There are many reasons that pilots may choose to quit and pursue a different career path. Here’s a reason I’ve never heard of, though, as flagged by AirlineGeeks.

Veteran Air France captain quits over “eco-anxiety”

A former Air France captain named Anthony Viaux has taken to LinkedIn, to share his major career change. In a lengthy post that’s written in French, he explains how a few days ago he did “the craziest thing” of his life, by resigning from his position as a captain at Air France.

He explains that he never thought he would write those words, as it was his dream to be a pilot from a young age, and he has been at the airline for more than 20 years. He had recently taken a two-year sabbatical, “the only solution [he] had found to take stock and try to lighten a little the weight of the eco-anxiety that was gnawing at [him].”

He goes on to acknowledge that there are industries that are more polluting than aviation, and that it would be absurd to accuse aviation of all evil, but we also shouldn’t turn a blind eye. While other industries are decarbonizing, he notes how Airbus plans to double the number of aircraft in the world by 2041. Even with more efficient planes, emissions will increase. As he concludes:

But these days, each flight and its magic comes at a high price, the tanks of my Airbus not being filled with words or dreams, but with oil, intended to be burned.

Today my heart is heavy. To leave my colleagues, and because reaching the position of captain remains the holy grail of any pilot. Thank you to all those I have had the chance and the pleasure to meet over all these years, thank you to my crews, colleagues and friends for sharing all these moments in the four corners of the globe!

I really loved working at Air France. However, today I feel the pressing need to realign myself with my inner compass, which tells me that my convictions are no longer in line with this profession.

Of course, I am aware that my resignation will not save the planet of course, but burning thousands of liters of kerosene every time I went to work, I couldn’t do it anymore.

I am now heading towards other horizons: naturopathy, music, writing an essay on my experience as a pilot with regard to my ecological awareness, a podcast (“Health by nature”)…

An Air France captain has resigned over environmental guilt

I hope he finds meaning with his new path

I have no judgment for this guy, and just wish him the best with his new path. Obviously it’s incredibly rare to see a pilot quit their career over environmental concerns — talk about putting your money where your mouth is.

We only have one life to live, and we should do everything in our power to live in a way that aligns with our values. I commend him for following his convictions, and pursuing a path that will bring him joy.

I tend to think when we talk about environmentalism, especially related to aviation, it’s pretty polarizing. On one end of the spectrum, you have a very small but vocal minority of people who believe aviation is evil, and basically all discretionary flying should be stopped. But on the other end of the spectrum, you have people who think it’s not an issue at all, claiming planes would fly anyway (even if we don’t fly), or even arguing that global warming isn’t manmade.

Personally I’m somewhere in the middle. I don’t think aviation can or should be stopped. That being said, I think the industry should keep trying to become more efficient, and I also think there are some great environmental initiatives out there to reduce our own impacts. While it doesn’t fully undo the damage, it helps.

This guy certainly followed his convictions

Bottom line

A senior Air France captain has quit, after he could no longer handle the guilt of the environmental impact of his job. I’ve never heard of an airline pilot quitting for this reason, so that’s pretty noteworthy. Regardless of how others may feel about this topic, I think he deserves some credit for following his beliefs, even when it comes at a great personal cost.

What do you make of this former Air France captain quitting, to pursue a different path?

Conversations (67)
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  1. Dan Clifford Guest

    Mental illness exists even in the skies. He didn’t stop one flight nor change a single thing. Bizarre.

  2. Jake Guest

    I love aviation, but I also am worried about the environmental consequences of the industry.

    I admire the pilot because it couldn't have been an easy position for him to take. On my part, I spent two years not traveling by plane, even though trains and bus were more timely and cost more than airplanes, because of my concern for emissions. Now I fly, because I wasn't able to complete my travel goals otherwise, but...

    I love aviation, but I also am worried about the environmental consequences of the industry.

    I admire the pilot because it couldn't have been an easy position for him to take. On my part, I spent two years not traveling by plane, even though trains and bus were more timely and cost more than airplanes, because of my concern for emissions. Now I fly, because I wasn't able to complete my travel goals otherwise, but feel guilty.

    Those who don't believe that the aviation industry needs to do more to lower emissions are ignoring the science of climate change and/or in a place of privilege to deal with the environmental negative consequences. The people most affected by climate change are the ones who don't fly often. Such as people from poor, low-lying islands or farmers who's yields are affected by drought or floods. Those that travel all the time have enough money to adapt to a changing climate.

  3. Lieflat19 Gold

    Yea, after he has his house paid off, made millions of dollars, enjoyed worldwide travel, and gone through countless flight attendants he comes to this realization. what a joke. Don't give this guy any more press. He is not fit to fly a plane.

  4. John Guest

    So the good captain develops a sense of 'guilt' AFTER years of collecting a hefty pay cheque, enabling him to set himself up very nicely indeed, thank you very much. Funny how those who've reached the finish line turn around and start (implicitly) wagging their fingers at those who are still struggling along..Conviction in old age is great. But showing courage in your younger years is far superior.

  5. AGrumpyOldMan_GA Diamond

    Eco-hysteria claims another one. Oh well, his choice. He can carry my "guilt" as well if he wants to luxuriate in guilt.

  6. BobJones Guest

    This is deeply sad and alarming. Aviation accounts for just 2% of global CO2 emissions.

    While I respect the pilot’s personal conviction, this is yet another example of the eco-left’s psychological war against human progress.

    What’s the alternative? Should we stop flying, freeze in our homes, and abandon the connections and discoveries that make life rich?

  7. iamhere Guest

    I think eco-friendly technology is fine, but practices for going green or being eco-friendly need to make sense. Some political actions by governments do not make it more effecient or green such as limiting the number of flights and contribute to higher fares.

  8. Matthew Whitehouse Guest

    This captain’s decision is a good wake-up call that aviation’s climate impact needs to be addressed. The reality is that the vast majority of the global population does not fly. Of those that do fly, most are infrequent flyers, taking at most 1-2 flights a year. Most aviation emissions are generated by an extremely small number of extremely frequent flyers. Aviation is too key to keeping people and economies connected to be curtailed heavily. However,...

    This captain’s decision is a good wake-up call that aviation’s climate impact needs to be addressed. The reality is that the vast majority of the global population does not fly. Of those that do fly, most are infrequent flyers, taking at most 1-2 flights a year. Most aviation emissions are generated by an extremely small number of extremely frequent flyers. Aviation is too key to keeping people and economies connected to be curtailed heavily. However, frequent, high-emissions flyers need to start paying for their pollution and reconsidering if they need to be hopping on planes multiple times a month.

    3 more replies
  9. Cedric Guest

    Such actions make no sense to me, but good for him to sticking to his new found principals.

  10. AJB Guest

    Here are some facts for context…
    Co2 is only 0.041% of the atmosphere. For those not good at math, that’s less than 1/2 of one percent, which btw is necessary for the survival of the planet, because without it, we would be a dead planet like Mars. Also, it’s important to note that 97% of all Co2 emissions come from natural sources, so humans are only responsible for 3%. It’s also tough to see...

    Here are some facts for context…
    Co2 is only 0.041% of the atmosphere. For those not good at math, that’s less than 1/2 of one percent, which btw is necessary for the survival of the planet, because without it, we would be a dead planet like Mars. Also, it’s important to note that 97% of all Co2 emissions come from natural sources, so humans are only responsible for 3%. It’s also tough to see the biggest defenders of the climate are in fact the worst offenders as they fly around in their private jets, which on average emit as much Co2 in an hour of flight than your car does in 6 months, yet “you” are the problem. Hard to believe this is still a thing…

    2 more replies
  11. Christophe Honore Guest

    I, too, am an Airbus widebody Captain for one of the world's largest airlines. I have no idea what my carbon footprint is, but I do know that global travel is essential for the global economy (not just business travel, but think cargo, humanitarian airlift, governmental asset positioning, etc...). Until a better, economical, sustainable alternative comes along, jets will circle the Earth. If he wants to take such an absurd irrational stand, fine. But he...

    I, too, am an Airbus widebody Captain for one of the world's largest airlines. I have no idea what my carbon footprint is, but I do know that global travel is essential for the global economy (not just business travel, but think cargo, humanitarian airlift, governmental asset positioning, etc...). Until a better, economical, sustainable alternative comes along, jets will circle the Earth. If he wants to take such an absurd irrational stand, fine. But he should never again use anything but oars, sails, bicycles, deadwood, candles, snowmelt, rainwater, self-carved tools, quills and whale blubber ink, carrier pigeons, and his own two feet ever again. What whack job. Thank God he's no longer a Pilot-in-Command.

  12. Pete Guest

    He's reportedly planning to train as a naturopath. Enough said.

  13. Deserttrek Guest

    Good for him. Mental illness is not good for a pilot or the passengers.

  14. UncleRonnie Diamond

    Trees are pretty good at capturing CO2. Sadly we’re burning & cutting down forests like it’s Christmas every day.

  15. George Romey Guest

    This person has no business flying a plane. The thought of this moron in the cockpit if something went wrong is really terrifying.

  16. Rozellevm Guest

    I’m sure he gave up his benefits also! Knowing the french he will take them to court to fight to keep them lol

  17. CHRIS Guest

    So now the good captain will be freeing himself of all of his worldly possessions and wealth by donating ALL of it to some environmental charity as a penance for his years of malfeasance. From this moment forward, he shall forever live in poverty to atone for his lifelong participation in destruction of mother earth.
    How am I doing?
    He IS going to do all of this......right?

  18. MB Guest

    Thanks for bringing us interesting news in addition to your fantastic reviews.

    If you ever wanted to write a post about the various ways the aviation industry might reduce its environmental impact and their relative effectiveness, I’d love to read it. For example, how much does light weight paint at easyjet make a difference vs being a feel good press release?

  19. JeffDC Guest

    Yeah right, he can quit now. His mortgage is paid off, children all done with college, retirement set up for life. He can now cry with guilt while sailing on his new boat.

  20. Mason Guest

    Pretty of the whole First World, besides the US, isn't doing all that bad in this anti climate change agenda.
    The thing is that the whole practices are pointless unless China and India change. They constitute the most of pollution, but apparently the "climate activists" forgive them.

    No, just because Europeans take trains instead of planes, Koreans don't use plastic straws, and Americans buy Teslas, doesn't mean that the temperature would drop.
    ...

    Pretty of the whole First World, besides the US, isn't doing all that bad in this anti climate change agenda.
    The thing is that the whole practices are pointless unless China and India change. They constitute the most of pollution, but apparently the "climate activists" forgive them.

    No, just because Europeans take trains instead of planes, Koreans don't use plastic straws, and Americans buy Teslas, doesn't mean that the temperature would drop.
    Is it a kind of "hard to swallow pill" thing?

    1 more reply
  21. Justin Dev Guest

    There is such a degree of malignant narcissism in some of the comments. I salute the pilot and wish him well on his new path.

    2 more replies
  22. A220HubandSpoke Diamond

    Anecdotally, many oil and gas workers, despite deeply believing in climate change, also feel a little guilt about making the planet worse.

    Generally they use excuses (to themselves) such as "someone else will do the job" or "makes energy prices lower" or "cleaner than coal" or they just try to ignore what they're doing.

    I'm not surprised there are pilots who feel similarly.

  23. TG Guest

    The aviation industry plays an important role in connecting people across the globe - it definitely shouldn’t be stopped. Frequent flyer programs, on the other hand, basically thrive on getting people to make irrational and unnecessary travel choices. Frequent travellers and programs that encourage such behaviour need to be heavily taxed.

    9 more replies
  24. Tim Dunn Diamond

    It is one thing to stop doing something which you have determined you are philosophically opposed to but how will he overcome the guilt of all that he has done? Coloring and writing music isn't going to put the emissions back into the engine.

  25. Marios Guest

    Glad he left. This sort of mental instability could have turned into an imminent threat to the safety of the plane and lives on board. He did the right thing to quit. I wouldnt want to be a passenger in his plane…

    3 more replies
  26. Ken Guest

    I appreciate this kind of news, I was dragging my feet on buying carbon credits and I'm happy to say I just bought some via goldstandard! Found a project in Cambodia where they are distributing water purifiers so locals don't have to boil water to purify it. Boiling water with wood increases emissions so this is pretty cool!

  27. Tjay Guest

    I guess that guy won’t be traveling anymore if he stays true to his convictions. Unless he’s riding a bicycle, a trip anywhere would directly or indirectly burn fossil fuel.

  28. Peter A Guest

    At least this guy is true to his values. Unfortunately those who helped to make him feel guilty about doing his job will continue to go to events like COP in their private jets.

  29. Endre Guest

    The worshippers of the climate hoax are just… There’ll be another ice age in 50k years, annihilating most mammals. Why even bother? But hey, glad he resigned before crashing his plane into a mountain or building out of his eco anxiety. But as Ben wants us to be nice: I hope he gets the help he so desperately needs.

    3 more replies
  30. ImmortalSynn Guest

    This is what happens when environmentalism shifts from being a logical exercise, to a religion, for some people.

    Global aviation accounts for less than 4% worldwide emissions; commercial alone less than 3%.

    The same day this person did his little religious rite, he probably got into a car, utilized electricity generated from coal, and accepted a package shipped on an oceanic freighter: all of which contribute significantly more to global emissions than worldwide aviation.

    This is what happens when environmentalism shifts from being a logical exercise, to a religion, for some people.

    Global aviation accounts for less than 4% worldwide emissions; commercial alone less than 3%.

    The same day this person did his little religious rite, he probably got into a car, utilized electricity generated from coal, and accepted a package shipped on an oceanic freighter: all of which contribute significantly more to global emissions than worldwide aviation.

    2 more replies
  31. yoloswag420 Guest

    He's a free man, he can do whatever he wants with his career.

    Air France is just going to hire some other pilot to replace him. I'm not sure his retirement will have any real lasting impact on the industry though.

    Perhapd he can use his new free time to do environmental advocacy, if that's what he's passionate about.

    1. AeroB13a Guest

      …. I do hope that you are not suggesting that he should follow the example of that child …. Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg?

  32. Mak Guest

    It's interesting how he found this new religion only towards the end of his successful career, likely near his mandatory retirement age, and after spending 20 years doing what he is now wagging his finger at others for doing. I will be judgmental and say that this is not only hypocritical, but evidences a narcissistic personality disorder and hero complex, and above all demonstrates poor logical reasoning and decision making. We are all better off...

    It's interesting how he found this new religion only towards the end of his successful career, likely near his mandatory retirement age, and after spending 20 years doing what he is now wagging his finger at others for doing. I will be judgmental and say that this is not only hypocritical, but evidences a narcissistic personality disorder and hero complex, and above all demonstrates poor logical reasoning and decision making. We are all better off without him in the left seat.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

George Romey Guest

This person has no business flying a plane. The thought of this moron in the cockpit if something went wrong is really terrifying.

5
JeffDC Guest

Yeah right, he can quit now. His mortgage is paid off, children all done with college, retirement set up for life. He can now cry with guilt while sailing on his new boat.

5
Deserttrek Guest

Good for him. Mental illness is not good for a pilot or the passengers.

4
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