Preventing Decline in Business Aviation: Is Sustainability and Social Responsibility the Key?

The number of private jet flights in Europe increased by 64% last year and continues to grow, according to Greenpeace. Business aviation offers unparalleled convenience, flexibility, and privacy, allowing executives to travel directly to their desired destinations and enabling professionals to optimize their time and productivity while on the move.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, business aviation provided the opportunity to travel safely from point to point with fewer interactions with people. Therefore, during the pandemic, business jets helped MRO organizations to stay afloat. However, as times change, the question arises for environmentalists: How sustainable is business aviation? Will business aviation, which supported us during COVID-19, now decline? Reducing consumption for the sake of climate stability and emissions reduction has become a popular topic. In the fight against reducing carbon footprint, suggestions include reducing the number of car trips, minimizing water usage, lowering heating temperatures in homes, and using air travel less frequently.

Recently, protests have been calling for banning business aviation due to high carbon emissions, consumerism, and inefficient usage. This isn’t the first time the industry has come under fire, and it won’t be the last. However, without jumping to conclusions, it is important to note that private jets and luxury emissions are not currently regulated as such in the EU and excluded from key EU legislation that is supposed to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, according to Greenpeace. Also, business aviation is actively fostering environmental stewardship across the full value chain and is working towards meeting its net-zero emissions target by 2050. The industry has long supported technology to reduce engine emissions by applying new technologies, optimizing performance and flight range, and contributing to more efficient fuel burn. Moreover, business aviation has improved its carbon footprint by 40% over the past 40 years and business aviation’s global CO2 emissions are approx. 2% of all aviation and 0.04% of global, as EBAA says.

MRO companies take actions such as renewable energy purchases, solar panels, reusing materials, using more recycled water or an effluent treatment plant that treats all the water from their operations, electric vehicles, recycling, and teardowns. OEM’s facilities are also reducing energy with technologies like LED lighting. Additionally, doing simple things like opening the hangar doors to let air and light, turning off lights, and unplugging equipment not in use can also help. For hangar operations, electric tugs are increasingly being used to cut emissions related to repositioning aircraft. So, a lot of efforts to reduce water, emissions, energy, and waste are underway, with MROs working to improve sustainability.

Vytis Zalimas, CEO at JETMS, a global provider of integrated world-class aircraft solutions, claims, that the topic of sustainability in aviation has been a longstanding topic of discussion, and JETMS actively contributes to important projects. “One of the essentials of our sustainability efforts is the integration of LEAN principles throughout our operations. By streamlining processes and minimizing waste, we not only improve efficiency but also reduce our carbon footprint. We take recycling and teardown initiatives seriously. By recycling materials and components wherever possible, we reduce the burden on landfills and help to preserve valuable resources. Moreover, when designing and refurbishing aircraft interiors, we prioritize the use of sustainable materials. Our commitment to sustainable interior materials not only ensures passenger comfort and safety but also aligns with our mission of reducing the aviation industry’s impact on the planet.” – Vytis Zalimas, CEO.

In the autumn of 2023, the JETMS VNO hangar will undergo expansion. This strategic move will double the capacity of the current hangar, allowing it to sell approximately 100k MHRS per year. By doing so, it can serve a larger client base and offer more comprehensive maintenance solutions. These efforts further strengthen its position as a leading player in the aviation industry. Why should you choose JETMS? They boast a team of highly qualified experts, and the core team has remained unchanged for an extended period. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in the quality of services. Choosing them means choosing a team of dedicated experts, stability, excellence, and an expanded capacity to meet your aircraft’s needs.

JETMS is excited about the upcoming expansion of VNO hangar and looks forward to providing clients with an unmatched level of service and care for their aircraft. They offer you not only expert aviation services but also to become a part of a journey towards a more sustainable and socially responsible future. Soon, their customers and partners will be able to contribute to a better and more resilient future by planting trees, so pay attention to updates. Together, we can soar towards a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.

About JETMS:

JETMS is a global provider of integrated world-class aircraft solutions that meet numerous servicing and modification requirements, including line and base MRO, bespoke interiors, exteriors, and VIP and commercial aircraft completions. With its 14,500 sq. m. of hangar space, JETMS’ expert team of professionals operates from state-of-the-art facilities located in Vilnius and Kaunas, Lithuania, and London, The United Kingdom.

JETMS is part of the Avia Solutions Group family, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, with a fleet of 173 aircraft, and a parent company of SmartLynx, Avion Express, Bluebird Nordic, BBN Indonesia Airlines, KlasJet, Magma Aviation and more. The group also provides a range of aviation services including, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, as well as a variety of associated services. Supported by 11,500 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group operates in 68 countries worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.jetms.aero and www.aviasg.com

Media contacts:

Akvile Bakunaite

Head of Communication and Marketing

Mob.: +37062377366

E-Mail: akvile.bakunaite@jetms.aero

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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