How Green is Business Aviation and Private Jet Chartering? You may be surprised.
Towards a smaller carbon footprint through technology
Did you know that civil aviation as a whole is responsible for around two per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions?
When you drill further down, the business aviation subsector generates just two per cent of aviation’s overall global emissions, reports the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Even so, the industry—along with ELEVATE—is taking steps to reduce its environmental footprint through innovative technology and offset programs that can make a difference today.
Interestingly, business aviation has traditionally been the cradle of aviation sustainability efforts. Many aerodynamic and engine improvements have been born and tested in the business aviation sphere before subsequently migrating to airliners. For example, the Learjet Model 28 prototype was the first commercial jet to fly with fuel-saving winglets back in 1977. Today, winglets are common on both civil and military aircraft of all types, from hang-gliders to large airliners.
“The general aviation manufacturing industry is at the forefront of developing technologies that result in more efficient wing, rotor, fuselage, systems and engine design, as well as furthering revolutionary innovations like hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft,” said Kyle Martin, VP European Affairs for GAMA. “These technological advancements, some of which are already flying in Europe today, are progressing our industry’s sustainability commitments towards decarbonization.”
Initiatives underway by industry
According to the U.S. National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), its 11,000 member companies and individual professionals are focused on several environmental initiatives, including the organization’s Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program, the development of unleaded fuel to replace avgas for piston-engine aircraft, the encouragement of electric and hydrogen technologies, and the promotion of noise abatement procedures for business aviation aircraft.
As a whole, the business aviation sector has set specific targets to reduce its environmental impact, including cutting CO2 emissions by 50 per cent by 2050 (compared to 2005 numbers). From aircraft and engine manufacturers to fuel producers and providers, the segment is focused on innovating new technologies and equipment to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Sustainable fuels today
According to the various business aviation associations including the NBAA and Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA), new aircraft are 80 per cent more fuel efficient than the first jets built in the 1950s. As well, over the last four decades, business aviation fuel efficiency has improved by 40 per cent. Industry is also focused on the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), with CBAA reporting that up to 80 per cent of aviation’s carbon lifecycle emissions can be reduced through its use.
Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 through a commitment to the development of clean products and a focus on electrification, energy efficiency in operations, renewable energy sources, sustainable aviation fuel and optimized carbon offsets. As an example, Bombardier’s flagship Global 7500 long-range business jet is the first of its kind to earn an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), in recognition of environmental considerations throughout its life cycle.
Reduce your carbon footprint while flying privately with ELEVATE
Here at ELEVATE, we share business aviation’s commitment to greener operations. We have implemented a carbon offset program though Terrapass, which will allow our aircraft charter customers to offset the environmental impact of their flight. For example, it will cost about $70 to offset a light jet flying a two-hour trip. In another case, super or midsize private jets flying for nine hours would incur offset costs around $600 or more. Click here for more information about ELEVATE and our carbon offset program.
When it comes to changing our environmental course, we all have a part to play. It’s clear that business aviation has been, and will continue to be, an innovation leader. The sector remains focused on reaching greener heights by developing new technologies that will eventually help all aircraft types to operate more efficiently.