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Green Aviation: Sustainable Aviation Fuel for Air Charter 2025+

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Soaring Towards Sustainability: Green Aviation Practices for Air Charter Businesses in 2025+

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Key Takeaways:

  • SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is crucial for reducing emissions.
  • Operational efficiencies can significantly decrease fuel consumption.
  • Careful vetting of carbon offsetting programs is essential.

Table of Contents

Introduction

In today’s world, being environmentally friendly is more important than ever, especially in the air charter industry. Customers, governments, and everyone else are pushing for changes that protect our planet. The air charter industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. While we’ve covered some of these topics before, new research shows that we need to adjust our thinking. For example, some old assumptions about when electric planes will be ready are now looking too hopeful. This guide will take a close look at what air charter businesses can do to be greener, focusing on the years 2025 and beyond. It provides actionable strategies for significantly reducing their environmental impact.

To understand the broader context of how sustainability fits into the overall air charter industry, you can review the “Sustainability and the Future of Air Charter” section in our more general post on the air charter industry.

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a special type of fuel made to help airplanes fly while producing less pollution. Compared to regular jet fuel, SAF can lower the amount of greenhouse gasses released into the air by up to 80%. This reduction depends on how the SAF is made and what it’s made from. SAF is not a single type of fuel, but rather a category of fuels that meet specific sustainability criteria, making it a key component of green aviation efforts. For more detailed information, the EPA offers a good breakdown of the basics of sustainable aviation fuel.

Types of SAF and Their Production Processes

There are several different types of sustainable aviation fuel, each made in a unique way:

  • Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA): This type of SAF is created from waste oils and fats, such as used cooking oil or animal fats. The oils are treated with hydrogen to create a fuel that’s very similar to regular jet fuel.
  • Fischer-Tropsch (FT): The FT process involves turning biomass (like wood or plants) or captured carbon dioxide into a liquid fuel. This is done through a series of chemical reactions at high temperatures and pressures.
  • Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ): This method uses alcohols, such as ethanol, to produce SAF. The alcohol is converted into jet fuel through a process called dehydration and oligomerization.
  • Power-to-Liquid (PtL): PtL is a more advanced technology that uses renewable energy, water, and captured CO2 to create SAF. Electricity from solar or wind power is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then combined with captured CO2 to produce synthetic fuel.

Each of these production pathways offers a different approach to creating green aviation fuels, with varying levels of technological readiness and environmental impact.

Scaling SAF Production: Challenges and Opportunities

While sustainable aviation fuel holds great promise, there are challenges to producing enough of it to meet the growing demand. Currently, SAF production is still quite small compared to regular jet fuel. Some of the main challenges include:

  • Feedstock Availability: Making SAF requires large amounts of raw materials, like waste oils or biomass. Finding enough of these feedstocks can be difficult.
  • Technological Hurdles: Some SAF production processes are still relatively new and need further development to become more efficient.
  • Investment Requirements: Building SAF production facilities requires a lot of money. Attracting enough investment can be a challenge.

Despite these challenges, there are also many opportunities for growth and innovation in SAF production. As technology improves and more companies invest in SAF, production is expected to increase significantly. The International Energy Agency (IEA) offers detailed reports and forecasts on sustainable aviation fuel. While older reports might underestimate current progress, the IEA’s insights are valuable for understanding the future of SAF.

The Cost of SAF: Incentives and Economic Viability

One of the biggest obstacles to using sustainable aviation fuel more widely is its cost. SAF is currently more expensive than traditional jet fuel. This higher cost can make it difficult for air charter businesses to switch to SAF, as it could increase their operating expenses.

However, there are ways to help offset the higher cost of SAF. Governments can offer incentives, subsidies, and tax credits to encourage the production and use of SAF. These financial incentives can make SAF more economically viable for air charter businesses.

For air charter companies considering adopting green aviation practices, carefully consider all economic factors.

Carbon Offsetting Programs: A Critical Evaluation

Carbon offsetting programs allow businesses to invest in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, effectively “offsetting” their own emissions. For example, an air charter company could invest in a project that plants trees or develops renewable energy.

However, it’s important to critically evaluate carbon offsetting programs before investing in them. Not all programs are created equal, and some may not be as effective as they claim to be. There are also concerns about “greenwashing,” where companies exaggerate their environmental efforts to make themselves look good.

While carbon offsetting can be a viable short-term solution, it shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for directly reducing emissions. The focus should be on investing in SAF and other new technologies. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) offers valuable insights on carbon offsetting.

Selecting Reputable Carbon Offsetting Programs

Choosing the right carbon offsetting program is crucial for air charter businesses committed to sustainability. Look for programs that are certified by reputable organizations, such as Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard. These certifications ensure that the projects are actually reducing emissions and meeting high environmental standards.

When vetting carbon offsetting programs, consider the following:

  • Transparency: Does the program provide detailed information about its projects and how they reduce emissions?
  • Additionality: Does the program ensure that the emissions reductions would not have happened without the offsetting project?
  • Permanence: Does the program guarantee that the emissions reductions are permanent and not easily reversed?

The CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) evaluates and ranks carbon offsetting programs, providing a current perspective on program effectiveness and credibility.

Electric and Hybrid Aircraft: Progress and Potential

Electric aircraft are a promising technology for reducing emissions in the aviation industry. These aircraft use electric motors instead of traditional jet engines, which can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Hybrid-electric aircraft combine electric motors with traditional engines, offering a stepping stone towards fully electric flight.

While fully electric commercial aircraft are still in development, there has been significant progress in recent years. Several companies are working on developing and certifying electric aircraft for the air charter market. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations about when these aircraft will be widely available. Previous assumptions about electric and hybrid aircraft certification may have been overly optimistic.

eVTOLs: A Near-Term Solution for Air Charter?

eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) are a type of electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically, like helicopters. These aircraft are being developed for use as air taxis and for transporting passengers on shorter routes.

For the air charter market, smaller eVTOL aircraft may be a near-term solution for shorter routes in the years 2025-2027. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) expects to certify the first eVTOL in 2025. However, there are still challenges to overcome before eVTOLs can be widely adopted, such as the need for charging stations at airports.

Operational Efficiencies: Reducing Fuel Consumption

In addition to using SAF and new technologies, air charter businesses can also reduce their fuel consumption by implementing more efficient operational practices. Here are some key strategies for reducing aviation emissions:

Advanced Flight Planning Software

Reducing aviation emissions is possible through flight planning software. Modern flight planning software can help pilots optimize their routes to minimize fuel consumption. This software takes into account factors like weather conditions, wind patterns, and air traffic to find the most efficient path. Features like real-time weather optimization, dynamic routing, and predictive fuel burn analysis can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA)

Reducing aviation emissions can also be achieved with CDA, which involves descending continuously to the runway instead of flying level and then descending. CDAs minimize fuel consumption and noise pollution during landing. Pilots can use CDAs whenever possible to save fuel and reduce the environmental impact of their flights.

Minimizing Taxi Time

Reducing aviation emissions involves minimizing taxiing time, which is the time spent on the ground before takeoff and after landing. Taxiing burns fuel and produces emissions, so it’s important to minimize it as much as possible. Strategies for minimizing taxiing include using single-engine taxiing procedures and coordinating with air traffic control to get to the runway quickly.

Regulatory Landscape and Incentives

The aviation sustainability landscape is constantly evolving, with new regulations and incentives being introduced to encourage the adoption of green practices. For example, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a global scheme that requires airlines to offset their emissions from international flights. The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) also includes aviation emissions.

Governments around the world are also offering incentives and funding programs to support the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. These incentives can include tax credits, grants, and other financial assistance. EASA and IATA are reliable sources for further information on this topic.

Circular Economy Principles in Air Charter

Air charter businesses can also adopt eco-friendly aviation practices by implementing circular economy principles. This means minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization. Some examples of circular economy principles in air charter include:

  • Recycling and upcycling of aircraft components: Instead of discarding old aircraft parts, they can be recycled or upcycled into new products.
  • Sustainable sourcing of cabin materials: Using sustainable materials for cabin interiors, such as recycled fabrics or renewable wood.
  • Implementing waste reduction programs: Reducing waste on flights by using reusable containers and minimizing packaging.

The Rise of Book and Claim Systems

Sustainable aviation fuel is not always available at every airport. To address this challenge, book and claim systems are being developed. These systems allow air charter operators to purchase SAF even if it’s not physically available at their departure airport. The operator can then claim the environmental benefits of the SAF, even though it was used on a different flight.

Sustainable Airport Infrastructure

Sustainable aviation requires more than just green aircraft and fuels. Airports also need to invest in sustainable infrastructure, such as renewable energy sources, electric vehicle charging stations, and green building practices. Air charter businesses can prioritize using airports that are committed to sustainability. Signature Aviation, for example, is installing solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations at many of its FBOs.

The Role of Data Analytics in Sustainability

Aviation sustainability can be improved through the use of data analytics. Data analytics can be used to track and optimize sustainability performance. This includes measuring fuel efficiency, monitoring emissions, and identifying areas for improvement. By analyzing data, air charter businesses can make informed decisions about how to reduce their environmental impact.

Consumer Demand for Sustainable Travel

Sustainable travel is becoming increasingly important to passengers. Many travelers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly travel options. Air charter businesses can market their sustainability efforts to attract eco-conscious customers. A recent McKinsey report found that a significant percentage of travelers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly travel options.

Power-to-Liquid (PtL) SAF: A Promising Future

Sustainable aviation fuel produced via the Power-to-Liquid (PtL) process represents a potentially carbon-neutral fuel source. PtL SAF is made using renewable energy, water, and captured CO2. This process has the potential to significantly reduce the aviation industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. The European Parliament has highlighted the benefits of sustainable aviation fuels, including PtL.

Scope 3 Emissions: Increasing Corporate Accountability

Scope 3 emissions aviation is becoming an increasing focus for companies around the world. Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain, including emissions from business travel. Companies are now being held accountable for their Scope 3 emissions, which is creating pressure on air charter businesses to demonstrate sustainability. The World Resources Institute (WRI) provides valuable insights on Scope 3 emissions aviation.

Blockchain for SAF Supply Chain Transparency

Sustainable aviation fuel supply chains can be complex and difficult to track. Blockchain technology is being explored to enhance the transparency and traceability of SAF supply chains. Blockchain can help ensure that SAF is actually being used and that its environmental benefits are being accurately accounted for.

Case Studies: Air Charter Businesses Leading the Way

Here are some examples of air charter businesses that are successfully implementing sustainable aviation practices:

  • NetJets: This large private aviation company has invested significantly in SAF and carbon offsetting programs.
  • Signature Aviation: This FBO operator is installing solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations at many of its locations.
  • Smaller Air Charter Businesses Adopting eVTOLs: Some smaller air charter businesses are early adopters of electric aircraft (eVTOLs) for shorter routes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many strategies that air charter businesses can use to embrace sustainable aviation fuel practices. These include using SAF, carbon offsetting (with careful vetting), operational efficiencies, and emerging technologies. Sustainability is not just an environmental imperative but also a business opportunity.

By adopting these strategies, air charter businesses can reduce their environmental impact, attract eco-conscious customers, and position themselves for long-term success. This information should help clarify some outdated viewpoints and offer more actionable solutions than we may have previously presented regarding starting an air charter business, so it’s worth revisiting the “Sustainability and the Future of Air Charter” section of our overview on the air charter industry.

For Further Reading

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