Sustainable Skies Ahead for Green Private Jet Charters
Over the last two years, private jet charters have increased in popularity due to the global pandemic pushing travelers to look for safer methods. Those who have never flown them have begun to find ease and enjoyment. People becoming comfortable with flying means even more private jet charter bookings daily. Combine this with regular, frequent fliers, which means there are many private jets in the sky at any given moment. But with the increased number of people flying, there is a need for a green private jet initiative. Will private jets be able to become greener while spending more time in the sky?
It is not a secret that private jets are not the most environmentally friendly – even when compared with the large jets of major airlines. Sure, they put out fewer greenhouse gases than the alternative due to their size, but all that output for a single passenger can create a substantial individual carbon footprint. And that’s where the difference comes in. The good news is that the future of the green private jet industry is bright.
What Does It Mean to Have a Green Private Jet?
Generally, a business that follows green practices has taken steps to reduce its negative impact on the environment and the surrounding community. For the air travel industry, going Green and becoming sustainable is all about lowering carbon emissions and air pollution. Minimizing pollution can be done by reducing the use of fossil fuels.
The more this becomes a greater focus in the industry, the more attractive it becomes to travelers. It is worth noting that the upfront costs of going green and finding sustainable solutions are high, but that’s because most are trying to find what works. When more people know about this, it will be much easier to put green practices into practice.
The Environmental Pledge
There are many different commercial airlines and private jet companies that have taken a pledge to implement more sustainable actions into their everyday practice. This action is to make industry-wide change happen. Moreover, this desire for change has sparked a search for a better energy source to fuel jets of all sizes. Many are hopeful that an accessible, efficient energy choice will make a difference in the industry and the world.
Sustainable Fueling
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is the jet fuel created using sustainable resources that can be mixed with fossil fuels and, in turn, reduce emissions. Sometimes referred to as biofuel, this option has a much lower carbon footprint yet can yield the same travel results. How is sustainable fuel produced? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, SAF is made from “renewable biomass and waste resources.” These resources include:
- Algae
- Oil
- Corn grain
- Forestry residues
- Wood mill waste
- Manure
- Wastewater treatment sludge
- Energy crops (designated)
Although sustainable fuel or biofuel is not a solution that will remove 100% of the emissions produced by air travel, researchers feel confident that regularly using jet fuel from waste products can reduce emissions by about 80%. And, let’s be honest for a minute – that is a huge difference. There is no doubt that sustainable fuel could have a very positive impact on the environment.
Battery-Operated Jets?
Imagine flying on a battery-operated plane or one that gets its energy from solar panels. Believe it or not, the reality of either one may not be too far off. Battery-operated aircraft is slowly evolving, but much perfecting still needs to be done. The Zer0 aircraft is designed for the future, even dubbed the Tesla of the Skies. It runs off of energy instead of jet fuel and uses the sun’s energy to harvest it. No emissions are escaping into the sky using this method – and it can make such a difference in the world.
Support for Offset Campaigns
If you are wondering what you can do in the meantime to reduce your carbon footprint even though you are taking a private flight without any flowing using fossil fuels, you have a choice in carbon offset programs. Here’s a general idea of how this works. Let’s say you travel via a private jet from the Los Angeles area to Miami, Florida. This flight covers many miles, and you’ve likely burned up a lot of fossil fuels and increased your carbon footprint. Suppose you want to be proactive and take a step toward your future.
In that case, you will reduce that carbon footprint by donating to a fund or campaign of a company involved in clean energy production or research, as well as other environmentally-friendly practices. It can vary, but the average cost is about 1% of the total cost of your flight. And, believe it or not, you’d be surprised at how well it can make a difference in the future. In other words, it is all about enjoying all the perks that come with private travel – without feeling guilty about your flight’s negative impact on the environment.
How Close Are We to a Green Private Jet?
Change is definitely on the horizon for those looking to make the air travel industry green – especially those in the private jet community. The kinks need to get worked out as far as the sustainability options are concerned, including the pricing for the new fuel and taking the time to switch many machines and potentially aircraft engines to ensure they are functioning appropriately with the latest energy.
As more and more research and ways of achieving sustainable solutions are readily accessible, the industry will continue to shift. The next time you need air travel, determine what type of private jet charter is the best. You may not find yourself with access to a solar-powered jet or one that uses sustainable aviation fuel, but offset campaigns are always there, helping you feel good about taking that trip.