NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses and Airports Provides Foundation for Environmental Engagement

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has unveiled a new sustainability initiative, the NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses, to provide aviation businesses and airports a self-certification process for pursuing flexible, cost-effective options to lower their carbon footprint.

Developed by a working group under NATA’s Environment Committee, the NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses is a free industry standard designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (including CO₂), increase use of more environmentally friendly energy sources, reduce waste, and encourage sustainability operation-wide.

“When NATA established our Environment Committee about a year ago, developing a self-certification sustainability standard for our membership was a top priority. We sincerely thank the committee, our members, and the working group for their foresight and dedication in developing a standard that facilitates continuous operational and industry improvement,” stated NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts. “Aviation businesses have been an important part of the sustainability movement, and this standard provides a means to recognize their efforts and commitment.”

The standard is voluntary in nature, flexible in both implementation and certification methods, operationally focused, and consistent with existing environmental and sustainability standards for establishing and reducing a company’s carbon footprint. 

“The NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses was designed to encourage more aviation businesses and airports onto the path to sustainability, assist them throughout their journey, and serve as a foundation for future enhancements,” stated NATA Working Group Chairman Patrick Moylan, a senior associate with FBO Partners. “The standard is part of a living document, evolving with the needs of the industry.”  

NATA would like to thank the following working group member companies for their time and dedication in developing the standard: FBO Partners, JRMA, Clay Lacy, World Fuel Services, 4AIR, and Jet Aviation. NATA appreciates the support of the following organizations in testing the program and providing valuable feedback: Clay Lacy, Atlantic Aviation, 4AIR, Sun Air Jets, TAC Air, Gary Jet Center, and Maven by Midfield.