Organization Highlights Overstretched Claims in Recent Analysis

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently called out an environmental study for making flawed statements regarding the sector’s sustainability. The research failed to acknowledge the effort business aviation has put in to reduce damage, putting it on a path to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The study was published in the Communications Earth & Environment journal on November 7. It claimed that emissions have increased by 46% between 2019 and 2023, pinning the blame on leisure and political flights.

The NBAA stated that the authors’ claims were “one-sided” and used “cherry-picked” data, causing them to omit crucial information. The organization then sent a letter with its rebuttal to news outlets that have covered the report.

One of the NBAA’s main arguments is that the study focused on a selective flight window, specifically around COVID times. Since many airlines suspended operations during the pandemic, business aviation was forced to pick up the slack. This led to a drastic, yet temporary spike in the sector’s activity, therefore increasing its emissions.

“Predictably, the report’s narrow look at flight activity misses the fact that in the years following the pandemic, business aviation activity has largely returned to pre-pandemic norms,” explained NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

The NBAA also refuted that the sector has made significant progress towards sustainability. In just 40 years, it has cut emissions by nearly 40% using developments in lightweight materials, winglets, avionics, and other technologies. With investments in electric propulsion and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), business aviation could slash emissions by more than 80%.

Additionally, the study severely downplays the role business aviation plays in the economy and transportation. The sector contributes $150 billion to the US’s economic output and opens over  1.2 million job opportunities. It also is crucial in connecting communities and providing relief, as seen through the extensive service provided following Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

“How is it possible that a purportedly rigorous study would fail to disclose so much important information about business aviation’s societal benefits, including its record on emissions reduction and its leadership on a commitment to a net-zero future?” Bolen asked. “Perhaps its authors were working from a preordained conclusion. If so, we would encourage an analysis that considers all relevant data about a world-leading industry’s pursuit of sustainability, on the ground and in the air.”

FMI: www.nbaa.org