The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) says the European sector has been working “diligently and successfully” towards decarbonisation since 2009.

The comments have been made in response to a recently report “Private jets: can the super rich supercharge zero-emission aviation?” by Brussels-based non governmental organisation (NGO) Transport & Environment. The report goes into depth on the evolution of emissions in the most recent years and suggests there are few arguments to be made in defending the existence of the sector. The EBAA welcomes the opportunity to show what business aviation is already doing to attain carbon neutrality.

“Since the conception of business aviation in Europe, the sector has grown to be a substantial contributor to the European economy and society” said EBAA secretary-general Athar Husain Khan. “Our track record shows we welcome a greater push towards a sustainable business aviation sector, but it’s important we do not misrepresent the true economic value, business benefit and societal impact the sector truly makes.”

The EBAA said the sector, through its variety of member associations, continuously educates and advocates for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). It is also an early adopter of new technologies that reduce aviation’s overall environmental impact, including the ramp-up and EASA certification of the use of battery power for short-range aircraft.

The association said the study underestimates the use of business aviation. Also, a peak in summer flight movements is used to disprove the use of unscheduled aviation for business purposes. The EBAA believes this to be a false alternative: an increase in summertime movements does not discount the many uses of business aviation throughout the year, it said.