VistaJet is continuing to push forward with its plan for more sustainable aviation solutions through an agreement with AEG Fuels to purchase SAF produced by multinational integrated oil, gas and petrochemical company OMV at Vienna International airport in Austria.

VistaJet’s commitment to replace over 200,000 USG of conventional jet fuel consumption with a blended SAF is expected to generate over 165,000 kg of CO2 reduction, an 80 per cent emissions improvement over the lifecycle of the fuel compared to conventional jet fuel. This SAF is produced in compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED).

Founder and chairman Thomas Flohr says: “Together as an industry we can reshape the way we conduct business. At VistaJet, we are very proud of the progress we have made, and we hope that others will adopt our recommendations. Businesses are rightfully being held accountable for their environmental impact, and our agreement with AEG Fuels not only helps in reducing GHG emissions, but goes hand in hand with our ongoing efforts to practise higher sustainability to protect the local communities in the countries we operate in, spanning 96 per cent of the world.”

AEG Fuels vice president of global supply Stephen J Leonard adds: “Business and corporate jet operators are going to be key stakeholders in aviation's decarbonisation plans as we work to achieve net zero. We're very excited to support VistaJet's efforts to push our industry forward and provide a framework for future SAF agreements. Its individual efforts are supporting critical investments in sustainable solutions for producers and consumers in the space.”

Founded in 2004, VistaJet claims to have revolutionised business aviation from its inception, providing access to a global fleet without the need to own an aircraft. This meant fewer aircraft need be produced and also reduced repositioning flights, as the fleet is managed on a floating model instead of the traditional wasteful hub-and-spoke system.

The company says private aviation has seen unprecedented growth since the pandemic, as travel continues to be a necessity for companies to ensure business continuity and point-to-point connections on fuel-efficient smaller aircraft. VistaJet is simultaneously making every effort to reduce the industry's impact on the environment.

Proving its commitment to change, in April 2021 VistaJet pledged to be fully carbon neutral across its entire business by 2025. Urging the aviation industry to step up and do its part to combat climate change, VistaJet's commitment is also aimed at pushing the sector to go further than the current goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 set by the civil aviation industry bodies and IATA. Only a multi-party contribution can reduce impact in scale and bring about an industry-wide transformation to drive systemic transformation.

To capture the progress the company has made with its environmental sustainability initiatives, it also published A 2022 Action Handbook for Change in Business Aviation, developed in collaboration with climate solutions provider and carbon project developer South Pole. The white paper examines in detail how the aviation sector should respond to the climate crisis and identifies real solutions, including the most effective ways for business aviation companies to minimise the industry's carbon footprint.

While offsets and SAF are the main options currently available to reduce carbon footprint, VistaJet continues to actively seek and invest in new developments to help push beyond the current limitations, looking at new technology and innovations to further reduce the GHG footprint in line with the latest available science. Following years of research, innovative technology exploration and working with clients, the industry and regulatory bodies, VistaJet has already:

- Worked to make the adoption of carbon offsetting by VistaJet members grow to over 85 per cent;

- Provided global access to SAF no matter where clients are travelling from while continuing to advocate externally for the widespread adoption of SAF in the industry;

- Used AI to maximise fleet optimisation to improve fuel-efficient consumption by eight per cent;

- Refined its fleet sharing model to continue driving fleet efficiencies;

- Added 16 new Global 7500 aircraft to the fleet, the first business jet with a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The high-speed transonic wings of the Global 7500 cut down on drag, reducing fuel burn and emissions while its GE Passport engines have a reduced fuel consumption of approximately 2.5 litres per functional unit;

- Ensured single-use items were kept to a minimum, having achieved an over 90 per cent reduction in their use on board all aircraft and replaced them with sustainable alternatives;

- Continued its policy of transparency, publishing in full its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) reports. These audits enable the company to identify the carbon footprint of its operations and offices worldwide and further define its opportunities and priorities.