Aviation leaders commit to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions

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Business aviation leaders pledged to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) 2021 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition.

The heads of NBAA, International Business Aviation Council and General Aviation Manufacturers Association also pledged to continue increasing fuel efficiency 2 percent annually between 2020 and 2030.

“I’m incredibly proud to say that the industry is on track to meet or exceed those goals,” Ed Bolen, NBAA president and CEO, said at the convention. “This is a testament to the value of a unified partnership among operators, manufacturers, fuelers, service providers and many others. With our collective focus and determination, we can achieve carbon-neutrality in our lifetimes.”

The pledges are part of the industry’s Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change written in 2009. The industry set the goal of reducing carbon emissions 50 percent by 2050, increase fuel efficiency 2 percent annually from 2010 to 2020, and achieving carbon-neutral growth by 2020.

Technology advancements have helped the industry work toward its goals. These advancements include Sustainable Aviation Fuel, advanced alloys, aerodynamic optimization through composites, additive manufacturing, and skin coatings.

The convention, held Oct. 12-14, features nearly 100 exhibitors that have signed a pledge to limit their environmental footprint for the event.