National Business Aviation Association Defends Aviation’s Role in Economic Growth

Saturday, November 16, 2024

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has raised concerns over a recent report, accusing it of selectively using data, relying on flawed analysis, and disregarding critical facts to present a biased perspective on sustainability and the business aviation sector. The association emphasized that the industry remains firmly committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In a letter addressed to media outlets reporting on the study, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen criticized the findings published on November 7 in Communications Earth & Environment. Bolen stated that the report is based on “a cherry-picked data set, flawed analysis, and omission of key facts,” leading to skewed conclusions about the industry.

Specifically, the report focuses only on aircraft hours flown during a selective window, largely focused on the global COVID moment. “That moment included an uptick in business aviation activity, as the airlines dramatically reduced or halted flights, making business aviation the best – and often, the only – option for essential travel,” Bolen said.

“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,” Bolen added.

The report makes an overly simplistic assumption that flights during the summer are exclusively for non-business purposes, disregarding the reality that business aviation often facilitates essential face-to-face meetings with clients or customers, irrespective of the season or destination.

Bolen said the report also omits crucial facts about the sector’s progress on carbon reduction.

“The business aviation sector has slashed emissions by 40% in just four decades, with breakthroughs including lightweight composites, winglets, satellite-based avionics and a host of other carbon-cutting technologies,” Bolen noted. “Looking to the future, our mission to achieve net zero is focused on innovation, including through investment in sustainable aviation fuel – which can cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 80% – and development of highly efficient aircraft, engines, and new, electric, hybrid and even hydrogen-powered propulsion systems.”

Equally significant, while business aviation steadily advances its efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainability, the report disregards numerous independent studies that underscore the sector’s vital role in global economic and transportation systems. Business aviation serves as a key economic driver and employer, connects underserved communities, enhances corporate efficiency and productivity, and supports critical humanitarian missions.

“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.” 

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