European business aviation response to climate activists at AIROPS 23

Several climate activists gathered at AIROPS 2023, the annual premier event for Business aviation flight operations professionals organised by EBAA. AIROPS is an educative platform where Business aviation professionals gather to further improve safe and efficient Business aviation operations in Europe. AIROPS event for ground handling operations which promotes safety, professional working culture, employment, as well as sustainability in Business aviation.  As an educative platform, AIROPS gathers pilots, flight operations professionals, and ground handlers, from all over Europe, to discuss topics related to flight operational security, the EU’s landscape for airspace control, as well as the industry path towards achieving net-zero by 2050, among others.

EBAA Secretary-General Athar Husain Khan, commented: “Business aviation has a vital role to play in supporting the growth and competitiveness of companies across Europe, and we are determined to do so in a way that is safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible.” 

Since the early days of aviation, our Business aviation has become the testbed for relentless technological development that has led to key innovations such as light composite structures, ever-cleaner engines, Global Satellite Positioning, and winglets.

These technologies, later adopted by commercial aviation, have significantly contributed to increasing the efficiency of our operations and reducing emissions in the whole aviation sector. As a testament to Business aviation’s role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainability, the industry came together in 2009 and announced the Business aviation Commitment on Climate Change (BACCC), which set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and lays out pathways to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Our industry is constantly looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and operate in a more environmentally friendly way. In recent years, we have seen significant advancements in biofuels, electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, and other innovative technologies that are helping the sector minimising it’s impact on the environment.