NetJets, DayJet Take Steps To Operate 'Green'

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President James K. Coyne testified this week before the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation at the hearing "Aviation and the Environment: Emissions." The hearing examined the impact of aviation activities on the environment and how stakeholders can reduce or mitigate their impact.

During his testimony, Coyne focused on action taken by the association since creating its Environmental Committee last year, as well as initiatives launched by NATA members. Coyne highlighted the NATA Environmental Committee's "Climate Initiative" that includes purchasing carbon offsets for flight operations and best management practices to reduce energy consumption for businesses providing aviation ground handling services.

Coyne also reviewed the actions taken by two of its members, NetJets Inc. and DayJet Corporation, explaining how both organizations have incorporated measures to reduce their carbon footprint. NetJets' program focuses on offsetting carbon emissions from NetJets' flights, while also reducing the carbon footprint of NetJets' operations worldwide. Their initiative includes a substantial investment in leading-edge technology research with the goal of creating an ultra-low emission jet fuel.

The NATA chief then pointed towards air taxi provider DayJet, which utilizes Eclipse 500 very light jets in air carrier service -- smaller aircraft that are inherently more efficient than larger planes, and have a more favorable environmental footprint.

"NATA, its members and the general aviation industry as a whole have been diligent in working to ensure that the appropriate steps to limit the impact we have on the environment are taken," Coyne stated. "With this in mind, our members and the industry at-large remain dedicated to operating their businesses with safety and the environment as their top priorities."

Coyne's full testimony may be viewed here.

FMI: www.nata.aero