Carbon Neutrality Available for FBOs, Operators, as Credits for Purchase

Taking a page from competitor Shell Aviation, Phillips 66 has unveiled its own carbon offset program for FBOs and flight operators.

A partnership with 4Air has opened up sales of carbon offsets for FBOs to address CO2 emissions from jet, avgas, gasoline, and diesel fuels used. Those interested can buy offsets through their Phillips relationship to go neutral in terms of their own usage, in addition to offering customer-facing offset sales through the parent program. 

Going along with the theme of the change, Phillips announced plans to convert its San Francisco Refinery in Rodeo, California into one of the world's largest sustainable fuel refineries, which will quickly produce renewable diesel by 2024. The change is unsurprising in the well-heeled and high-flying business aviation sector, as those high-mileage travelers in the jet set crowd seek to remove some of the stink that can accumulate in the public eye whenever highly visible private jets are involved. Going green has been the trend for a while, and there are few easier ways to address environmental emissions than to throw some money at it. The system now uses 4Air and its rating system for the application of purchased offsets, putting the money towards specific projects aimed at reducing emissions. Phillips believes the program will be popular with operators, saying "At Phillips 66 Aviation, we’re giving pilots and FBOs the right tools to help them on their carbon journey. We look forward to working alongside the 4AIR team, to bring sustainable offerings to our customers.”

Whatever a "carbon journey" is, it's getting popular among fuel companies, undoubtedly on their toes as an industry quite conspicuous in the public eye. Every year, the internet surges with environmental furor over the alleged hypocrisy of climate conferences attended by underutilized private jets, only to simmer down until the next one. With infrastructure in place and ready to be pointed to, companies can head off potential criticism before it starts as they build foundational sustainability infrastructure on their own terms. Business aviation has set its own carbon-neutral growth goal by 2020, as well as halving total CO2 emissions by 2050 relative to 2005 levels. 

“As SAF continues to be a focus within the industry, we find it necessary in doing our part to improve our planet and offset emissions however we can,” said Bobby Courtney, vice president of aviation at Fontainebleau Aviation, the introductory location for the program's rollout. “It is crucial for all FBOs to acknowledge their carbon footprint and take the necessary steps to lighten it. In affiliation with Phillips 66 Aviation, we are proud to be an industry trailblazer where our flight operators have the ability to offset their emissions.”

FMI: www.4air.aero, www.Phillips66Aviation.com