Alexandria, VA, May 7, 2008 National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President James K. Coyne testified yesterday before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation at the hearing “Aviation and the Environment: Emissions.”
The hearing examined the impact of aviation activities on the environment and how stakeholders can reduce or mitigate their impact. During his testimony, Coyne focused on action taken by the association, since creating its Environmental Committee last year, as well as initiatives launched by NATA members.
Coyne highlighted the NATA Environmental Committee’s Climate Initiative that includes purchasing carbon offsets for flight operations and best management practices to reduce energy consumption for businesses providing aviation ground handling services.
Coyne also reviewed the actions taken by two of its members, NetJets Inc. and DayJet Corporation, explaining how both organizations have incorporated measures to reduce their carbon footprint.
NetJets’ program focuses on offsetting carbon emissions from NetJets’ flights, while also reducing the carbon footprint of NetJets’ operations worldwide. Their initiative includes a substantial investment in leading-edge technology research with the goal of creating an ultra-low emission jet fuel.
DayJet Corporation utilizes the new generation of very light jets in air carrier service, building on the inherent efficiencies and favorable footprint of the Eclipse 500 aircraft, to advance the long-range goal of sustainable air transportation. DayJet’s strategies are motivated by the emerging understandings of the epochal challenges of managing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas effects on climate dynamics.
“NATA, its members and the general aviation industry as a whole have been diligent in working to ensure that the appropriate steps to limit the impact we have on the environment are taken,” Coyne stated. “With this in mind, our members and the industry at-large remain dedicated to operating their businesses with safety and the environment as their top priorities.”
Coyne’s complete testimony for yesterday’s hearing can be found by clicking here.
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NATA, the voice of aviation business, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before the Congress and federal agencies.