In a document issued during a Capitol Hill hearing this week, NBAA detailed business aviation’s commitment to sustainability and the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The written statement was issued to the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Aviation during a hearing focused on "examining efforts to address climate change at U.S. airports.”
“This goal builds on our proven track record of leading the way on fuel-saving technologies from winglets to highly efficient engine technology and advanced avionics,” explained NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “To achieve our 2050 goal, business aviation is making significant investments in zero-emission electric aviation, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), optimizing GPS technology to fly the most direct and efficient routes, and utilizing sustainable infrastructure at airports.”
Bolen noted the industry’s continuing efforts to educate the aviation community about the benefits of SAF, despite the market for renewable fuel still being in a nascent state. He also cited the advances being made in the advanced air mobility sector, including breakthroughs in the electrification of aviation.
Lastly, the document described the efforts of NBAA’s new Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation, which focuses on all segments of activity including flight, operations, infrastructure, and ground support. “This comprehensive accreditation program will stimulate, document, and audit how operators are making widespread investments and progress toward a carbon-neutral future,” Bolen concluded.