NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses Gets A Refresh

(National Air Transportation Association ) Today (October 18, 2022), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) released the first update to the NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses – a self-certification process for any aviation business interested in pursuing flexible, cost-effective options to lower its carbon footprint. The most significant changes to the standard include the introduction of a second checklist option for organizations with more than one location and the addition of a sustainability strategies supplement, providing an enhanced approach to achieve and further promote the goal of the Standard.

Developed by a working group under NATA’s Environment Committee, the NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses is voluntary in nature, free to the industry, and designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (including CO2), increase the use of more environmentally friendly energy sources, reduce waste, and encourage operation-wide sustainability.

“The industry feedback we have received on the NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants are pleased with how comprehensible and practicable it is,” stated NATA Working Group Chairman Patrick Moylan, a senior associate with FBO Partners. “Our goal is to expand its use in 2023, and we hope the addition of the multi-location checklist and other improvements will help serve as a catalyst for that growth. As the standard represents a living document it will continue to evolve with the needs of the industry.”

NATA recognizes the following working group member companies for their time and dedication in continuous review and development of the standard: 4AIR, Atlantic Aviation, FBO Partners, Fire Technology Innovations, JRMA, Jet Aviation, and Signature Flight Support.

“Sustainability and corporate accountability are among the top priorities for all member segments from MROs to air charter operators and FBOs to airports, and this standard was developed with the entire aviation business ecosystem in mind,” stated Megan Eisenstein, NATA Managing Director of Industry and Regulatory Affairs. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the outpouring of industry support and organizational pride in this recognition of our members’ environmental efforts, as well as the productive feedback we’ve received enabling the Standard’s continuous improvement. NATA sincerely thanks the committee, our members, and the working group for their participation in developing, promoting, and engaging in such an important initiative.”

What Certifying to the NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses Means:

Jet Aviation Senior Vice President Regional Operations and GM Americas David Best – “Collaboration and partnership are key to bringing innovative solutions to life. We are dedicated to working together with industry bodies to continue to support a more sustainable future. I am delighted to see this fruitful outcome of our long and successful partnership with NATA, and look forward to further collaboration to come, on this and other key industry initiatives.”

Clay Lacy Senior Vice President of Development and Sustainability Scott Cutshall – “A lot of time and energy has been invested by NATA staff and their Environmental Committee to develop this standard and the tools that will help aviation businesses incorporate more sustainable practices. This certification is an important next step in our journey toward sustainable operations.”

Atlantic Aviation Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer Brian Corbett – “Contributing to environmental sustainability for business aviation is vital to the success of our business, as well as to the positive societal impact of our industry. Creating and maintaining industry-leading climate, emissions, and energy transition initiatives is a key pillar of our company mission, and one we will continue to pursue across the ever-evolving spectrum of opportunities.”

Textron Aviation Senior Vice President of Customer Support Brian Rohloff – “This recognition affirms that we are on the right path towards achieving our sustainability goals. We remain steadfast in our commitment to a more sustainable future for our employees, communities, and customers.”

Signature Renew Product Manager Jovan Phillips – “As Signature’s Vail Valley Jet Center ascends to NATA’s Tier 3 Green Aviation Business certification, we’re delighted to be driving real environmental impacts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Signature has set the industry template for green FBO facility design, which includes 13 solar-powered FBOs and 29 LEED construction projects completed to date, and we’re proud to be recognized by NATA for achieving this exceedingly high standard.”

Duncan Aviation President Jeff Lake – “Sustainability is a current business buzz word because it is important. As a society, we need to look for better ways to do things—ways that leave less of a footprint on the earth and that make a positive impact on the environment we will leave our children, grandchildren, and future generations. Sustainability is a core value that Duncan Aviation team members identified years ago as something the company should focus on and improve.”

Aeroplex Group Partners Director, Operations & Project Management Justin Castagna – “In all our airport design programs, we deliver first-class, sustainable facilities and amenities based on the latest best practices, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and other state/local standards. We collaborate and consult with our national business aviation clients and airports to address the unique needs of aircraft owners, operators, and flight crews, while optimizing opportunities for integrating rational sustainable development practices. NATA’s Sustainability Standard provides a solid roadmap for all aviation businesses interested in environmental stewardship.”

Fast Air Manager of Business Development Dan Rutherford – “This certification by NATA validates the hard work that Fast Air has been doing to become a ‘Sustainable Aviation’ company. Our commitment builds upon our existing carbon-neutral flights and operations that utilize carbon offsets. We are extending our focus to support an improved future for our People, Planet and Profitability.” READ MORE