The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) have launched the STARS (Standards and Training for Aviation Responsibility and Sustainability) programme, initiated by young business aviation professionals from half a dozen companies in Europe who want to take a holistic approach to sustainability. This goes beyond emissions reductions and extends the concept to include social topics such as workplace diversity, gender equality and inclusion.

“It's very ambitious what these young people have done,” says EBAA secretary general Athar Husain Khan.

The pilot STARS programme in Europe is now underway, and early participants have devised a three tier programme of goal-setting, progress monitoring and full implementation. They are working toward the development and introduction of industry-wide sustainability standards and an accompanying label.

Key to the programme's accomplishment will be the linkage of STARS to the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) and the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH), two global codes of best practices produced by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC).

IBAC director general Kurt Edwards says: “We look forward to having the STARS sustainable and social practices connected to the premier industry standards for operations and ground handling as these actions align with the ICAO Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This programme will certainly contribute to a better future for business aviation and the communities we serve.”

The schedule includes completion of the current pilot programme by July, a progress audit in September and final feedback in October. Approximately 10 organisations may achieve full STARS Tier 3 status by 2025.