After 20 Years of Service, Pilot Resigns Over Environmental Concerns

In a surprising move, Air France captain Anthony Viaux has resigned after over 20 years of flying.

His decision, shared in a viral LinkedIn post, stems from growing concerns about the environmental impact of aviation. Viaux expressed that he could no longer ignore the eco-anxiety that had been weighing on him for some time.

After taking a two-year sabbatical to reflect, Viaux realized he couldn’t continue flying, knowing the harm aviation causes to the environment.

While he acknowledges that other industries contribute more to pollution, he points out that aviation’s role in global warming, responsible for about 5% of it, is too significant to overlook.

He also criticized the aviation industry’s plans for growth, such as Airbus’s prediction of doubling the number of planes by 2041. Viaux feels that despite the urgent need for change, the industry is not moving fast enough to reduce its carbon footprint.

Although he loved his job, connecting people around the world, Viaux now believes that each flight comes with too high an environmental cost. His resignation marks the end of a career he cherished, but he feels it’s time to realign his life with his values.

Viaux’s decision has sparked a debate in the aviation world. Some critics argue that other sectors, such as land and maritime transport, are equally polluting. Others defend aviation for its role in connecting people for crucial events like family reunions, education, and jobs.

In the end, Viaux acknowledges that his resignation won’t save the planet, but it’s a step toward living in line with his ecological beliefs. He is now turning to new ventures like naturopathy, music, and writing a book about his experiences as a pilot with an eco-conscious perspective.