UAS co-owner, founder and CEO Omar Hosari's commitment to climb Africa's tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, this month is far more than a personal goal. Setting out on 5 October from Tanzania, he is pledging to donate one US dollar for every metre of the 6,096m mountain he climbs to the International Business Aviation Council's aviation sustainability awareness and education programmes.

“Our industry has a responsibility to find solutions which will ensure longevity for the sector, but even more importantly, to contribute to protecting the planet's future,” says Hosari. “Aviation, especially business aviation, where our company has been active for two decades, is regularly criticised for its carbon footprint. We are making great strides in identifying ways to reduce emissions with the aim of becoming more carbon neutral so as to reduce the environmental impact, with sustainable aviation fuel and the terrific initiative from the SAF coalition leading the charge.

“Being able to play a small part, by dedicating this climb to aviation sustainability and helping to demonstrate the leading role we all play as stakeholders in business aviation, is my privilege. There are many in our industry who can help influence change. If my climb can contribute to that effort, I will be immensely proud.”

The first IBAC sustainability workshop is scheduled to take place during ABACE 2020, in collaboration with the Asian Business Aviation Association where Hosari is also a board member.

IBAC director general Kurt Edwards adds: “We commend Omar Hosari for his dedication to take on this monumental feat of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and for his charitable spirit in supporting our sustainable educational efforts for the business aviation industry. IBAC, with the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) coalition, is currently focused on increasing awareness and availability of SAF that blends with other fuels without restrictions. The funds generated by his climb will help us further build our awareness campaign and other sustainability efforts. We wish him a safe and successful trek, and thank him for his generosity.”