The SAF industry has made advancements since its inception, yet the availability of sustainable fuels for jet airplanes is still limited due to financial, technical, and regulatory reasons. With air travel centered around hubs and the 20 busiest airports in the world handling nearly one-fifth of all air passenger traffic, this should make it easier for the new energy source to be fully adopted by operators*. However, a decade after their introduction, there are only a few hubs globally where sustainable biojet fuel is available and it still only accounts for less than 0.1% of total aviation fuel consumption.

As a fundamental step to further increase sustainability, VistaJet has signed a new partnership with SkyNRG, offering all VistaJet customers around the world access to SAF. This will promote substantial reductions in aviation carbon emissions, and increase stable demand and availability around the world. Partnering with SkyNRG will offer VistaJet customers the most sustainable, cost-effective and scalable solution to decarbonize their flights, while helping to grow adoption across the entire industry.

As a core component of the Sustainability in Aviation program, VistaJet undertook a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions audit with South Pole, an award-winning project developer and global provider of climate action solutions. To coincide with Climate Week NYC, VistaJet provides its first progress update on its eight pillars of sustainability, and key findings are as follows:

1. VistaJet’s Carbon Offset Program — Since introducing the Sustainability in Aviation pledge, 80% of VistaJet Members have opted in to compensate for their fuel use-related emissions by investing in certified carbon credits around the world. Additionally, through the EU ETS, emissions of all flights between European countries will be offset by April 2021, which between January to August 2020 totals 21,500 tCO2.
2. Sustainable AviationFuel — The VistaJet brand’s main emission source is aviation fuel, representing 89% of the total GHG emissions and comprising emissions from the production, processing, delivery and combustion of aviation fuel. While offsetting indirectly reduces carbon footprint, using a fuel with a lower carbon intensity would significantly and directly reduce the industry’s emissions — in its neat form the use of SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional jet fuel. VistaJet’s innovative new plan will secure SAF availability for its customers globally — sourced and delivered by SkyNRG from World Energy’s refinery — supporting fast adoption of this crucially important energy solution.
3. Most Technologically Advanced Aircraft — VistaJet’s shared fleet model means less aircraft being produced and enables higher utilization of each existing jet. VistaJet’s global infrastructure also allows for a reduction in repositioning flights.
4. Fuel Consumption Reduction Technology — VistaJet  launched a comprehensive program to automate flight optimization and global fleet management. Through investment in AI and machine-learning technology, the company is working on predictive route algorithms to minimize ferry flights and reduce fuel consumption.
5. Fuel Efficient Booking System — Booking with at least one week’s notice helps to further improve fleet management, reducing unnecessary fuel burn.
6. Partnering with Leaders inSustainability — VistaJet partners with carbon neutral companies wherever possible and has implemented new requirements for all purchasing partners, ncluding sustainability accreditation for third parties across all departments in the business. Additionally, over 100 onboard stock vendors have been contacted to introduce more sustainable products.
7. Sustainable In-Flight Products — VistaJet has removed over 90% of single-use items across its fleet and replaced items on board with sustainable alternatives.
8. Moving to Renewable Electricity On-the-Ground — The extensive company audit enabled VistaJet to identify the carbon footprint of its operations and offices worldwide in order to define further GHG reduction opportunities and priorities. Electricity consumption represents 24% of the total emissions for VistaJet offices specifically. To decrease these levels, VistaJet has adopted electricity supplied from renewable sources for two of its largest offices and is assessing solutions for the others. Further schemes such as cycle to work and flexible location working are being rolled out to decrease employee emissions.

VistaJet has dedicated itself to reducing its environmental footprint and affecting positive change through innovation.

Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of VistaJet, said “VistaJet is committed to making aviation better. Today, this means changing the way we operate, to benefit not only our customers, but the whole global community. In this spirit, I hope our private aviation partners and peers will do the same, working collaboratively to bring change faster, as this is the only way for the fragmented industry to take full responsibility for the long-term health of the planet. In addition to adhering to market-based measures and improving existing infrastructure, enhancing operational procedures and developing new technological innovations is crucial. We are positive about the future, and we believe together we can transform business aviation for the long-term good.”