Fast Facts
Business aviation is essential to the 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 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines general aviation as all civil aviation aircraft operations except for commercial air transport or aerial work. As such, business aviation is a part of general aviation that focuses on the business use of airplanes, helicopters, and soon, Advanced Air Mobility aircraft.
- 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, efficient business jets. Most businesses in this community are small- to mid-size companies, including nonprofit organizations.
- Business aviation supports millions of jobs globally, contributes hundreds of billions of dollars to the world economy, connects remote communities to the global marketplace, serves as an incubator for new technologies, boosts businesses productivity, and provides critically needed airlift for humanitarian missions.
The industry has a long track record of success in emissions reduction. Key actions to reduce environmental impact:
- Adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Development of electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft
- Use of lightweight composite materials and drag-reducing winglets
- Advanced engines and aerodynamic designs for better efficiency
- Satellite-based navigation and optimized flight planning to reduce fuel burn
- Carbon offset and book-and-claim programs
- Renewable energy and electric ground vehicles at airports and FBOs
- Sustainable building standards and waste reduction in operations
Business Aviation is certainly committed to achieving net-zero emission. Although the business aviation industry only represents .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.
An incubator for technology, the business aviation 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 more ambitious commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, using the same levers to greater degrees.
- 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 exceeds the current supply, production capacity is scaling rapidly to close this gap. In 2024, SAF accounted for 0.3% of global jet fuel production, a threefold increase from 2022. Business aviation is working with all stakeholders, including governments, manufacturers, fuel producers, and suppliers, to increase production and consumption of this game-changing fuel. Learn more about SAF.
- Modern technology will play a critical role in 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 aviation. Learn more about advanced propulsion systems.
- 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.
- 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.
- Follow and share the industry’s conversation about sustainability leadership on social media.
- Speak about business aviation’s mission to net zero within your community
- Contact comms@ibac.org with stories to share the Climbing. Fast, International mission.
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
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%.
Significant GHG reduction: Can reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Carbon recycling: Made from renewable feedstocks (e.g., waste oils, agricultural residues, forestry residues), reusing carbon already in the atmosphere rather than extracting fossil carbon.
Compatibility: Fully compatible with existing jet engines and fueling infrastructure, requiring no modifications.
Versatile and future-ready: Can be used today in blends with conventional jet fuel (up to 50%) while ongoing research and demonstration flights show that 100% SAF is achievable, paving the way for a full transition to sustainable flight
Performance equivalence: Provides equivalent energy density, performance, and safety standards as petroleum-based jet fuel.
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 ASTM D7566 international standard, which ensures it has the same quality and safety specifications as conventional fossil jet fuel. Aircraft, engine, and component manufacturers worldwide have tested SAF on the ground and in flight to confirm its reliability, performance, and safety across a variety of operations.
https://ibac.org/assets/saf-guide-2020.pdf
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.
SAF production and distribution is expanding globally but supply still falls short of demand. Dozens of airports across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific now offer SAF, and new refineries are coming online every year.
Global partnerships: Collaborates with airlines, governments, fuel producers, and operators to promote SAF adoption worldwide.
The Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Founded in 2019, the coalition addresses knowledge gaps on SAF safety, availability, and performance to advance SAF adoption by the logistical stakeholders.
Production support: Invests in SAF production using diverse feedstocks such as agricultural residues, waste oils, and synthetic CO₂ capture.
Infrastructure development: Supports airport and FBO upgrades to enable SAF refueling and broader access.
100% SAF Flight Demonstrations: Multiple aircraft manufacturers have completed successful demonstration flights fueled with SAF.
Currently, SAF is typically more costly than conventional jet fuel, primarily due to limited supply and production capacity. However, as global demand increases and production scales, costs are expected to decrease significantly. Supportive government policies, green investment frameworks, and industry collaboration will play key roles in making SAF more affordable and accessible.
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.
By 2030, global demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is expected to reach 17 million tonnes per annum (Mt/a), representing 4-5% of total jet fuel consumption.
SAF is being produced and distributed across multiple continents, including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and has powered thousands of business and commercial flights worldwide.
Some airports have integrated SAF directly into their fuel supply systems, while others offer SAF through book-and-claim programs. 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
“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. This system enables participation in the global SAF market regardless of geographic location, promoting faster decarbonization across all regions.
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.
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.
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 actual 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.
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. One such online offset provider option fro business aviation is the Carbon Trade Xchange (CTX).
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.
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.
- 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 this 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.
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:
Job Creation and Economic Growth: According to a Deloitte study, AAM has the potential to create 300,000 jobs and is on track to be a $115 billion market by 2035. It will deliver commercial and economic benefits by increasing productivity and making it easier to move employees and goods across the country. NASA has created the Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign to accelerate the effort.
Accessibility: AAM technologies provide passengers with a safe, affordable, flexible and efficient form of mobility, making AAM a valuable solution for cities struggling with road congestion, connecting remote communities and delivering time-critical services.
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.
AAM is expected to become a regular part of transportation systems within the next decade. According to the 2025 Winter Global AAM Forum (GAAMF) Summary Report from the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, more than one-third of experts anticipate commercial AAM operations beginning within the next two to five years, while a similar share foresees widespread adoption within five to ten years. This growing global consensus signals that AAM is quickly transitioning from concept to reality, with many countries preparing for integration into their national transport networks.
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. The global aviation community is collaborating with national aviation authorities and international regulators to address gaps in operational standards, safety frameworks, and certification processes. These coordinated efforts aim to enable the safe and efficient integration of AAM into broader transportation networks over the coming years.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is leading efforts to ensure the safe and sustainable integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) worldwide. Its Advanced Air Mobility Study Group (AAM-SG) supports the ICAO Secretariat in developing a comprehensive global framework for AAM. Working in coordination with other ICAO expert groups, the AAM-SG focuses on creating a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable pathway for integrating AAM operations.
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.
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, and research 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.