The National Air Transportation Association has released the 2024 update to its NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses, a self-certification process for any aviation business interested in pursuing flexible, cost-effective options to lower its carbon footprint. The most significant changes to the standard include additional resources and more flexibility within certain Tier 2 and Tier 3 requirements for aviation businesses to select the most applicable and feasible sustainability actions based on their unique operational environment.

Developed by a working group under NATA's Environment Committee, the sustainability standard is voluntary in nature, free to the industry and designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of more environmentally friendly energy sources, reduce waste and encourage operation-wide sustainability.

"Today's announcement is an important reminder of the value and relevance of the NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses to all of our member segments, from MROs to air charter operators and FBOs to airports," says president and CEO Curt Castagna. "The Standard is an essential instrument for us all to capture, validate and communicate our collective environmental commitment to our communities and beyond."

NATA recognises the following working group member companies for their time and dedication in continuous review and development of the standard: 4Air, Atlantic Aviation, Fire Technology Innovations, JRMA, Jet Aviation, Jet East and Signature Flight Support.

"The industry feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive and invaluable to its continuous improvement," adds NATA working group chairman Patrick Moylan, Jet East chief quality and safety officer. "The Environment Committee appreciates NATA's dedication and role in advancing the industry's goals in helping us shape our future and tell our story."

Participating member companies agree. Florida-based FBO Fontainebleau Aviation, a NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses - Green Aviation Business Tier 2 participant, earned its Facility Neutral rating in 2021 and 2022 by offsetting 1,966 metric tons of direct and indirect CO2e.

"NATA's Sustainability Standard has been indispensable to our commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious aviation industry. With the guidance of this programme, Fontainebleau Aviation is looking forward to continuing our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment in 2024 and beyond," says airside operations director Oscar Le Rois.