A MORE RADICAL APPROACH IS NEEDED

As we have shown in this report, the business aviation sector is under some very unique climate change-related challenges.

Politicians in Europe increasingly see it as a way to curb aviation emissions without inconveniencing the vast majority of the travelling public.

At the same time, climate change groups sense that their tactics are working, following Amsterdam Schiphol’s decision to ban private jets from 2025.

And all this comes as the sector as a whole has an image problem. When they think of private jets, people tend to imagine Elon Musk or Kim Kardashian and not a manufacturer trying to close a last-minute deal in person and create jobs.

As discussed, industry spokespeople are addressing this in two ways:

Trying to show that business aviation is only a very small % of carbon emissions. However, this approach won’t work because it’s not why the sector is being targeted.

Positioning the sector as a kind of test-bed for new technologies is a much more promising approach. This could be a win-win situation for both business jet operators and manufacturers producing new hybrid-electric or electric aircraft.

For one thing, these newer aircraft will only be able to carry a limited number of passengers to begin with, which is not an issue in the private aviation sector.

Also, next-generation aircraft makers could work with business jet operators to use their flights as a proof-of-concept. Having passed that, their aircraft could become even more attractive to smaller regional airlines.

However, the problem is that the reality right now does not match up to this vision.

For example, the European trade body, the EBAA, has a goal of a 2% annual increase in fuel efficiency from 2010 to 2020, achieving carbon-neutral growth from 2020, and a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 compared to 2005 levels.

That’s not going to stop policymakers, with the backing of public opinion, from severely curbing business aviation.

WHAT COULD A MORE AMBITIOUS PLAN LOOK LIKE?

We believe that a much more radical approach is needed. This could include:

A 2040 net zero target which would beat the ICAO goal by ten years.

A SAF mandate that’s well above the minimum mandated requirement. For example, the EU’s mandate is 6% SAF by 2030. The sector should commit to 7.5% or even 10%.

An accelerated book-and-claim programme to make up the SAF shortfall

In line with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a commitment to keep carbon offsetting at below 10% of the overall net zero programmes

More private jet operators and charter companies to pre-order next generation aircraft that don’t run on fossil fuels, like the Eviation Alice. Ideally, rather than LOIs, there should be a cash commitment in these orders, which will also speed up the development of the aircraft.

Listen to more insights on our podcast

Want more sustainable aviation insights?

Sustainability in the Air is the world’s first sustainable aviation podcast. Hosted by SimpliFlying Shashank Nigam, the show has featured airline CEOs such as Scott Kirby and Tony Douglas.

But as part of the podcast, Shashank has also talked to innovators developing new kinds of aircraft and engines, such as Heart Aerospace CEO Anders Forslund, ZeroAvia CEO Val Miftakhov and Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein.

Listen and subscribe to the podcast here: green.simpliflying.com/podcast

Guests on previous seasons podcast

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Over the past fifteen years, SimpliFlying has worked with over 100 airlines and airports worldwide to build trust in travel.

We now focus on helping the industry navigate the biggest challenge it has faced so far – the need to decarbonise and reach net zero by 2050.

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