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Fast Facts

Business aviation is essential to America’s economy and transportation system, and the industry’s commitment to a net-zero carbon future is unmatched. Here are the facts about business aviation’s sustainability leadership and other societal benefits.

  • Business aviation is the use of any “general aviation” aircraft for a business purpose. The Federal Aviation Administration defines general aviation as all flights that are not conducted by the military or the scheduled airlines. As such, business aviation is a part of general aviation that focuses on the business use of airplanes and helicopters.
  • The business aviation community consists of companies of all sizes that rely on many different types of aircraft – from small, four-seat airplanes, to long-range, ultra-efficient business jets. The vast majority of businesses in this community are small- to mid-size companies and other entities, including nonprofit organizations. 
  • Business aviation is an important industry that supports more than one million U.S. jobs, contributes approximately $250 billion to the nation’s economy, connects remote communities to the global marketplace, serves as an incubator for new technologies, boosts business productivity and provides critically needed lift for humanitarian missions.

The industry has a long track record of success in emissions reduction, having slashed carbon output by 40% in just four decades. The industry has been an incubator and early adopter of a host of sustainability innovations, including lighter airplane parts, drag-reducing winglets, satellite-based navigation systems and other carbon-cutting technologies. Today, each new generation of aircraft is up to 35% more efficient than its predecessor model.

Absolutely – although business aviation represents only about .04% of global emissions, the industry is united behind a Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change, a pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

  • Business aviation is on a mission to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, with a comprehensive approach for carbon reduction, on the ground and in the air. We’re investing not just in reducing emissions from today’s aircraft and engines, but also in the development of eco-friendly aircraft that use hybrid, electric and even hydrogen-powered propulsion; smarter, faster, more efficient routes that require less energy; and the implementation of sustainability best practices to minimize airports’ environmental impact.
  • We’re also working to accelerate the production, availability and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which can reduce net-carbon emissions by up to 80%. We support book and claim programs, which allow those utilizing business aircraft to purchase SAF at an airport where it is not physically available, so that an equivalent amount of SAF can be used where it is available.
  • Where we can’t immediately eliminate our direct emissions using other measures, we emphasize the use of targeted, high-quality, independently verified carbon offsets, which allow business aircraft operators to offset their emissions by supporting initiatives – such as reforestation and renewable energy facilities – that eliminate carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Business aviation is on a mission to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In fact, it has always sought to be ever-more fuel-efficient.  The industry has constantly strived for increased fuel efficiency, which has led to fewer carbon emissions.  In just the last four decades, the industry has slashed carbon emissions by 40%.  

An incubator for technology, our industry was the birthplace of lightweight composites, winglets, satellite-based avionics, and other carbon-cutting technologies. As a result, in some cases, new aircraft can be as much as 15% to 30% more efficient than the ones they replace.

Acknowledging its need to contribute to the fight against climate change, the industry issued the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change in 2009. It outlined four levers for reaching a long-term goal in 2050 of halving emissions relative to 2005 levels. More recently, business aviation announced in 2021 its even more ambitious commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, using the same levers to greater degrees.

  1. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) will be the most important lever to contribute to business aviation’s decarbonization. An alternative to traditional fossil-based fuel, SAF is derived from sustainable sources such as municipal waste, disposed foods, and woody biomasses, among others. SAF has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. It can be used now as a “drop-in” fuel, compatible with existing jet engines and fueling infrastructure. While demand for SAF is increasing, SAF production remains quite low, comprising 0.1% of jet fuel available in 2022.  Business aviation is working with all stakeholders, including governments, manufacturers, and fuel producers and suppliers, to increase production and consumption of this game-changing fuel. Learn more about SAF.
  2. Modern technology will play a critical role in the industry’s decarbonization. As the incubator of technology, business aviation will be at the forefront of developing all-new, eco-friendly propulsion systems using hybrid, electric, and even hydrogen power sources. We are the innovators, the first adopters, ushering in these technologies for all of aviation. Learn more about advanced propulsion systems.
  3. Improved operations will provide greater efficiencies as well as reductions in carbon emissions. Operators will fly as directly as possible, using low-emission altitudes, power settings, and approaches. To reduce ground emissions, the sector will continue to use single-engine taxi procedures and increasingly operate electric-powered ground-support equipment. Learn more about carbon-cutting innovations in business aviation.
  4. Last, out-of-sector measures, such as offsetting and carbon capture, must be considered. Aviation is a “hard-to-abate” industry in terms of eliminating all its carbon emissions. While we will strive to decarbonize using the first three levers, some small amount of business aviation emissions will need to be offset by reductions in other sectors. High-quality carbon offsets can currently be used. Once available, carbon capture will be another alternative. Both represent important measures to address business aviation’s residual emissions. Learn more about carbon offsets.

Book & Claim will help business aircraft operators around the world participate in the emerging SAF marketplace and receive the environmental credit for doing so.

As SAF is far from widely available, operators, through Book & Claim, can purchase SAF when uploading fuel at an airport where it is not physically available, be assured that an equivalent amount of SAF will be made available elsewhere, and claim the credits for the environmental attributes of the purchased SAF.

The effect of Book & Claim is to send a demand signal to SAF producers while providing an incentive to operators through environmental-attributes credits. The operator can claim these credits under regulatory compliance requirements or voluntary emissions reductions programs. Learn more about Book & Claim.

Become a part of the CLIMBING. FAST. campaign – an industry advocacy initiative to showcase business aviation’s many societal benefits, from driving opportunities for today’s workforce, to leading sustainability innovations to achieve a commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through the campaign, you can make your voice heard by:

  • Joining the industry’s conversation about sustainability leadership on social media.
  • Speaking about business aviation’s mission to net zero with news outlets.
  • Sign up to inform policymakers of the importance of business aviation – and its focus on sustainability – in their states and congressional districts.
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The Fuels

The business aviation sector has taken a multi-faceted approach to development, production, availability and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as well as solutions for achieving carbon reduction, even when the biofuel is unavailable. Here are commonly asked questions about SAF and other carbon-cutting innovations.

SAF

A key component in business aviation’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a biofuel used to power aircraft that has similar properties to conventional jet fuel, but with a smaller carbon footprint. SAF, which is made from renewable biomass and waste-based feedstocks, can be used in all existing turbine aircraft, and reduces aviation lifecycle greenhouse gas emission by as much as 80%.

Business aviation was among the first advocates for SAF development, helping to expand its production, availability and use. Today, the fuels are powering an increasing number of flights every day, but the amount of SAF available remains insufficient to meet demand. As a result, the industry continues to work with stakeholders globally to accelerate the production and availability of SAF.

Below are commonly asked questions about SAF and the role it can play in helping the aviation industry achieve its ambitious climate goals.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel used to power aircraft that has similar properties to conventional jet fuel, but with a smaller carbon footprint. SAF, which is made from renewable biomass and waste-based feedstocks, can be used in all existing turbine aircraft, and reduces aviation lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by as much as 80%.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, SAF has the potential to deliver the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel, but with a fraction of its carbon footprint.

SAF can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. SAF recycles existing carbon absorbed by the feedstock (versus removing it from the earth in fossil fuel). SAF is already an acceptable blend with conventional jet fuel, and may become a complete replacement. It is fully compatible with existing jet engines and fueling infrastructure, making it a crucial carbon-reduction solution for the aviation sector.

SAF is a key element in emissions reduction for business aviation today, and a cornerstone of its plan to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goal, while we develop future technologies that will have an even greater ability to reduce emissions. The International Air Transport Association estimates that SAF could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net zero in 2050.

Yes. SAF meets the same American Society for Testing Materials’ standards for quality and safety as fossil jet fuel. It has been tested by manufacturers of aircraft, engines and components to assure its reliability and safety, on the ground and in the air.

The world’s leading aviation regulatory authorities – including the Federal Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency and others – have issued clear guidance on the use of SAF.

Today, there is more availability, production and supply than ever before. The market is growing, but the amount of SAF available remains insufficient to meet demand. Production of SAF needs to significantly scale up to be more accessible.

Business aviation continues to work closely with airlines, governments and other partners to create policy and other incentives, including a Blenders Tax Credit, to increase the production, availability and use of SAF. In 2019, the Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel was founded to address a “knowledge gap” on the availability and safety of SAF and advance its adoption by all the logical stakeholders: the manufacturers, the ground handlers and the operators across regional, national and international levels.

SAF has been made available for continuous delivery to some U.S. airports and spot delivery at several others. SAF is incorporated directly into airport fuel farms and the benefits are allocated to the end-use purchaser. The business aviation industry is working to make it more routinely available and in greater quantities around the world.

The cost of SAF is typically higher than the price of conventional jet fuel. Transportation costs for the fuel will vary, and can add to the overall cost of the fuel. Several federal, state and regional policy incentives targeting the reduction of carbon emissions may also impact the price of fuel for certain purchasers and at certain locations.
Ongoing research is underway to demonstrate the safety of using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in current aircraft and engines, with noteworthy progress occurring regularly. In November 2023, a business airplane achieved a historic milestone by successfully completing the world’s first trans-Atlantic flight using 100% SAF. This achievement represents a significant leap forward for the business aviation industry, marking a crucial milestone in the industry’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Demand and production are increasing, which over time should lower the cost of SAF. Production of the fuel tripled in 2022 compared to 2021. This trend is expected to continue over the next several years, with annual production of SAF expected to reach 3 billion gallons by 2030 in the United States (as called for in the White House SAF Grand Challenge).

Locations where aircraft operators can purchase SAF continue to grow. An up-to-date list and map of airports offering SAF is available online from 4AIR, an aviation sustainability consultancy and services provider. 

Book-and-Claim

The book-and-claim model is a common practice where a sustainability claim made by a company is separated from the physical flow of these goods. The most notable example is green electricity.

In aviation, “book-and-claim” is a term given to denote a transaction that allows those using aircraft to participate in the emerging SAF marketplace and receive the environmental recognition for doing so.

As SAF is not widely available, operators, using the book-and-claim model, can purchase SAF at an airport where it is unavailable, and receive credit for its supply and use at an airport where it is available.

The effect of book-and-claim is to send a demand signal to SAF producers, while providing an incentive to aircraft operators through environmental-attributes credits. An operator can claim these credits under regulatory compliance requirements or voluntary emissions reductions programs.

Below are commonly asked questions about book-and-claim, how it works, and the role it can play in helping the aviation industry reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

“Book-and-claim” is a term given to denote a transaction that allows those operating aircraft to pay for SAF when uploading fuel at an airport where it is not physically available, so that an equivalent amount of SAF can be uploaded where it is available. The operator who purchased the fuel at the airport without SAF availability gets to “claim” an environmental credit that accounts for the carbon reductions provided by the SAF.
SAF has the potential to reduce aviation lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80%, and thus it plays a crucial role in business aviation’s efforts to achieve net zero. However, it is not widely available to operators. Book-and-claim allows a SAF purchase even when it is not available at an airport, increasing market demand for the fuel, which helps accelerate its production, availability, and use.

Purchasing SAF via book-and-claim offers proof that there is demand for the fuel in the marketplace, providing a demand signal to refiners and fuelers for supporting the acceleration of its production.

Equally important, the setup enables operators to receive environmental credits under regulatory requirements or voluntary emissions reductions programs. This tool will allow operators anywhere in the world to participate in business aviation’s mission to net zero by 2050 through the use of SAF.

SAF can be purchased without book-and-claim at airports where the fuel is available in physical form. The book-and-claim program is designed to enable the purchase of SAF, and accrue recognition for supporting its environmental benefits, if the fuel is not available at your airport.

The environmental benefits associated with the renewable portion of the SAF blend can be claimed by the operator against compliance requirements, greenhouse gas inventory reporting, or voluntary emissions reductions programs. 

Some fuel providers and FBOs offer book-and-claim availability; to learn more about SAF book-and-claim and how it can work to meet your needs, please contact your fuel supplier or preferred FBO.

Carbon Offsets

Carbon offsetting is the term used to describe an action by companies or individuals to compensate for carbon emissions, in this case arising from use of aviation services. The offset to those emissions can be equivalent in part or in whole, by financing a reduction in emissions elsewhere.

High-quality, independently verified carbon offsets are accepted by international regulatory agencies and governments, including the International Civil Aviation Organization. They allow continued progress on sustainability by addressing emissions sources that cannot be directly reduced or eliminated today.

Below are commonly asked questions about carbon offsets.

Where aircraft operators can’t immediately eliminate  direct emissions using other measures, they can use targeted, high-quality, independently verified carbon offsets, which allow them to offset their emissions by supporting initiatives that eliminate carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One example of such a framework might include offsets that meet the requirements of ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA.

High-quality, independently verified carbon offsets – including those that are CORSIA-eligible – can be purchased through various third parties, such as a carbon-offset exchange, or a service provider. Exchanges allow organizations to buy, sell and trade carbon offsets in the same way that one buys, sells and trades equities in a stock exchange. A service provider handles the purchasing for clients with their input.

High-quality, independently verified carbon offsets can be used to comply with carbon-reduction regulations regimes and voluntary carbon-reduction programs. If you purchase high-quality, independently verified carbon offsets, you will be provided a receipt of purchase and, once requested, verification that your specific offsets were retired. These confirmations can be used to comply with mandatory carbon-offset regulations or voluntary carbon-reduction programs.

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Aircraft & Innovations

Continuing innovation in the design and manufacturing of business aircraft over several decades has led to significant efficiency and productivity improvements in nearly all aspects of aircraft development.

Groundbreaking technologies, manufacturing processes and materials and other advancements have dramatically reduced aircraft carbon emissions, so that today, new models of aircraft are up to 35% more fuel efficient than their predecessors.

Here are commonly asked questions about the carbon-cutting innovations in business aviation, including those that are integrated into today’s business aircraft.

Business aviation has served as a catalyst for innovations that not only revolutionized the sector, but also benefited other aviation users. Examples include:

  • Blended winglets – first used in the early 90’s on a business airplane, winglets have become a ubiquitous feature across various aircraft types. This innovation not only enhances aircraft performance, but also delivers fuel savings, contributing to a reduction in emissions.
  • Composite materials – Business aircraft manufacturing led to the introduction of light-weight airframe composites, which provide increased structural strength for withstanding flight conditions, while also dramatically decreasing aircraft fuel consumption. A business airplane was the first aircraft built with an all-composite airframe to receive FAA certification; today, many aircraft are built using composites in significant portions of the aircraft design.
  • Satellite navigation – Business aircraft operators were early adopters of satellite navigation, a technology based on a global network of satellites that transmit radio signals from medium-earth orbit for optimum accuracy and efficiency in route planning, en-route navigation, and approach-and-landing procedures. The operational efficiencies produced by the technology can significantly lower the amount of fuel consumed in any given flight.
  • Enhanced Vision – Business aviation pioneered enhanced vision, a game-changing technology that allows pilots to see the runway reduces the need for go-arounds in low-visibility weather, reducing fuel burn.

Innovation and technological developments in business aircraft manufacturing and operations create industry-leading efficiencies that allow for more direct flights at optimal altitudes and fewer missed approaches, all of which reduce emissions.

Business aircraft manufacturers are pursuing advanced designs that in some cases could significantly reduce emissions through new approaches to aerodynamics, advanced propulsion systems and light-weight materials. For example, research is underway into blended-wing-body design, which merges efficient, high-lift wings with a wide airfoil-shaped body, allowing the entire aircraft to generate lift and minimize drag, helping to increase fuel economy.

Aircraft manufacturers and suppliers have modified a variety of aircraft features, including seats, carpets and other materials made from recycled sources; low-voltage LED cabin lighting chrome-free primer and paints applications; and other innovations that often require less power and fuel consumption, and are otherwise more environmentally sustainable than legacy materials.

The industry is taking a comprehensive approach to carbon reduction in airport ground operations, including investment in electric ground-support equipment, such as airplane tugs and mobile ground power units, and the increasing practice of single-engine taxi for multi-engine aircraft enroute to and from active runways.

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Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

AAM is a collection of new transformational technologies applied to the safe air transportation of people and cargo. AAM aircraft encompass increasingly automated type-certificated aircraft intended to operate in the same environments as existing rotorcraft and airplanes, utilizing air traffic services in the airspace higher than 400 feet above ground level. AAM operations will be integrated into the national airspace system and include pilot-on-board, remotely piloted, or autonomous aircraft. Powered by hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion technologies, AAM are a key element in business aviation’s mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Here are commonly asked questions about AAM.

Civil Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a collection of new transformational technologies applied to the safe air transportation of people and cargo. AAM aircraft encompass increasingly automated type-certificated aircraft intended to operate in the same environments as existing rotorcraft and airplanes, utilizing air traffic services in the airspace higher than 400 feet above ground level. AAM operations will be integrated into the national airspace system and include pilot-on-board, remotely piloted, or autonomous aircraft. Powered by hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion technologies, AAM are a key element in business aviation’s mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
AAM aircraft are powered by true-zero propulsion technologies – batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, instead of conventional combustion engines – making them a carbon-free form of air transportation for a variety of mission applications.

The societal benefits of AAM include:

AAM aircraft, which can range in size from single-passenger aircraft to large shuttles, will bring affordable access to cities, underserved communities and geographically distant regions, all of which will enable business opportunities and grow the economy in these markets.

AAM aircraft can also play an important role in humanitarian missions – delivering healthcare in remote, rugged terrain and transporting life-saving materials.

While the first commercial operations in the U.S. are scheduled to occur as soon as 2025, other nations are investing heavily in AAM and may launch commercial operations sooner. A McKinsey and Company analysis, Perspectives on Advanced Air Mobility, explores this landscape.

AAM operating models plan to fully utilize existing airport infrastructure with some modification to accommodate the charging stations needed to power the aircraft. Development of infrastructure in support of AAM is underway in cities today, with AAM expected to become an increasingly important part of our transportation system in the next several years. Currently, the aviation industry is working with federal, state and local regulatory bodies to overcome gaps in operational rules, safety analysis and overall acceptance so that new AAM operations will be possible.

In October 2022, the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act became law. It promotes policies, procedures and programs to support the integration of AAM into America’s transportation infrastructure by creating an AAM interagency working group to coordinate government efforts related to the safety, operations, infrastructure, physical security, cybersecurity and federal investment necessary to bolster the AAM ecosystem in the U.S.

In June 2023, the FAA published the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), addressing operational and airman qualification requirements for powered-lift aircraft. This proposed rulemaking, is an important step toward safely enabling advanced air mobility, and crucial for the launch of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft take off and land vertically like a helicopter but are powered by electric motors instead of conventional combustion engines. Propellers or rotors ensure they can take off vertically, hover in place, and fly horizontally. Batteries, typically lithium-ion, or other energy storage systems store and provide the energy needed to lift off and fly.

Electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) vehicles are powered by electric motors and have fixed wings. eSTOL aircraft require less energy to take off and land and only need approximately 30-50 meters of runway.

Electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) vehicles are generally conventional fixed wing aircraft models powered by electric, hybrid and hydrogen motors.

Advanced air mobility (AAM) on-demand air transportation, powered by electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology encompasses a range of vehicle types and operations with applications that range from urban and rural to suburban environments. One AAM vehicle type might operate in multiple environments.

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) describes an operation with a small, highly automated aircraft that carries passengers or cargo at lower altitudes in urban and suburban areas.

AAM can safely deliver people and cargo between locations, making connections using existing aviation infrastructure, combined with new aircraft technology, to deliver healthcare in remote, rugged terrain, transporting organs for transplants, providing affordable transportation options within a congested metropolitan area, offering relief in the aftermath of a natural disaster, increasing access to rural or mid-sized communities, or linking the remote spokes of a cargo distribution network to shorten the supply chain.

As we think about how to introduce AAM operations, the greatest question that has emerged is how we can evaluate new safety requirements and develop new protocols without hindering innovation and associated rigor. The business aviation sector is working with government agencies and other industry stakeholders to ensure we find the best solutions that will enable us to continue advancing AAM.
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Advanced Propulsion Systems

For decades, business aircraft manufacturers have pioneered propulsion systems that increase fuel efficiencies. That innovative work is also accelerating the introduction of new eco-friendly aircraft that use hybrid, electric and even hydrogen-powered propulsion. The following are different kinds of propulsion systems.

Turbine propulsion: Today’s turbine engines are about 70% more efficient than those first produced, andesearch underway between industry and government has the potential to significantly reduce future fuel consumption among these engines.

Hybrid Propulsion: A hybrid-electric aircraft uses a combination of traditional fossil fuel-powered engines and electric motors to provide propulsion. These aircraft typically use electric motors for takeoff and landing, while conventional engines give power while in the air. Batteries or other energy storage systems, such as fuel cells, power electric motors.

Electric propulsion: An electrically powered aircraft pairs a motor with a source of electricity, such as a battery or a fuel cell. The motor can then turn the electrical energy into mechanical work to power a plane’s propellers. The motor can also be paired with a turbofan engine to run as a propulsion system, providing electric propulsion during certain phases of a flight.

Hydrogen as a fuel source can be used either by combustion through modified turbine engines or by converting it into electrical power via fuel cells. Both uses eliminate carbon emissions. Research is currently underway to explore hydrogen as another clean propulsion solution for business aviation.