Business Aviation
NBAA Advocates for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policies on Capitol Hill
NBAA leaders met with Congress to promote bipartisan bills supporting sustainable aviation fuel and the industry’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
This article is based on an official press release from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
Business aviation leaders converged on Washington, D.C., to advocate for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policies and the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to an official press release from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the March 18 “CLIMBING. FAST.” Capitol Hill Fly-In brought together professionals from across the country for a daylong series of meetings with congressional lawmakers and their staff.
The NBAA stated that the event was designed to highlight the industry’s essential role in supporting 1.3 million American jobs and generating nearly $340 billion in economic output. Throughout the fly-in, delegates emphasized the importance of strengthening American energy independence and supporting rural economies through the advancement of clean fuels and sustainable technologies.
Advocating for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Legislation
A primary focus of the Capitol Hill meetings was the scaling of sustainable aviation fuel production. Members of the NBAA’s Environmental Committee urged Congress to advance key bipartisan legislation that would provide long-term incentives for SAF producers.
Specifically, the organization advocated for the Securing America’s Fuels Act (H.R. 6518/S. 3759), which aims to restore the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit for SAF to $1.75 per gallon and extend it through 2033. The committee also pushed for the Farm to Fly Act (H.R. 1719, S. 114), a bill that would designate SAF as an advanced biofuel eligible for support programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“The reduced tax credit has made it more financially advantageous for producers to make renewable diesel instead of SAF. Restoring the credit to $1.75 is critical to give producers the confidence to continue building production capacity.”
According to the NBAA, business aviation has already reduced its carbon footprint by 40% over the past four decades, with modern aircraft operating approximately 35% more efficiently than previous generations. The association noted that SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Engaging with Congressional Leaders
To push these legislative priorities forward, industry representatives held targeted discussions with key policymakers and committee staff. The NBAA detailed that delegates met with a representative for California’s 40th congressional district, alongside staff members for several prominent lawmakers.
According to the release, the delegation met with staff for House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-6-MN), Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-13-FL), Rep. Randy Fine (R-6-FL), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-1-SC), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-23-FL), Rep. Luz Rivas (D-29-CA), Rep. Dwight Evans (D-3-PA), and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-1-GA).
The committee also focused heavily on the legislative bodies responsible for tax incentives and financial policy. They met with Michael Hawthorne and Grace Enda from the Senate Finance Committee, which is chaired by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and whose ranking member is Sen. Wyden (D-OR). Additionally, discussions were held with Nick O’Boyle and Andrew Grossman from the House Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by Rep. Jason Smith (R-8-MO) and whose ranking member is Rep. Richard Neal (D-1-MA).
“Members of Congress need to hear directly from their constituents about why these priorities matter. Today’s CLIMBING. FAST. fly-in demonstrated that business aviation leaders across every segment of our industry… are united behind policies that would accelerate progress toward net-zero emissions.”
AirPro News analysis
We note that the targeted meetings with the Senate Finance Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means underscore the aviation industry’s current strategic priority: securing favorable tax frameworks. The push to restore the Section 45Z credit to $1.75 per gallon highlights a significant economic hurdle in the green transition. Without competitive tax incentives, fuel producers naturally gravitate toward more profitable alternatives like renewable diesel, leaving the aviation sector struggling to secure the SAF volumes necessary to meet its 2050 net-zero targets. By mobilizing professionals from across the country, the NBAA is attempting to reframe aviation sustainability not just as an environmental imperative, but as a driver of rural economic growth and domestic energy independence.
FAQ: Business Aviation and Sustainability
What is the CLIMBING. FAST. initiative?
According to the NBAA, CLIMBING. FAST. is a branded, multi-platform industrywide advocacy campaign designed to showcase the societal and economic benefits of business aviation to policymakers, while highlighting the sector’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
What is the Securing America’s Fuels Act?
The Securing America’s Fuels Act (H.R. 6518/S. 3759) is bipartisan legislation that would restore the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit for sustainable aviation fuel to $1.75 per gallon and extend the credit through 2033, incentivizing increased production.
Photo Credit: City of Washington DC
Business Aviation
Bombardier 2026 Flight Attendant Safety Summit Montreal
Bombardier hosts its 4th annual Flight Attendant Safety Summit Aug. 5-6, 2026, in Montreal, expanding to a two-day format.
Bombardier will host its fourth annual Flight Attendant Safety Summit on August 5 and 6, 2026, at the Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montreal, expanding the event to a two-day schedule. The summit provides free safety and emergency response training for corporate flight attendants, addressing a historical gap in standardized training requirements within the business aviation sector compared to commercial airlines. In a press release issued on August 4, 2026, Bombardier detailed the finalized agenda and speaker lineup for the event.
Expanding corporate cabin safety standards
The corporate aviation industry has faced ongoing internal advocacy to align cabin crew safety training with the rigorous standards required of commercial operators. Previous statements from Bombardier personnel have highlighted findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicating that corporate cabin crew training does not always adequately prepare flight attendants for accident response.
To address this discrepancy, the 2026 summit agenda includes presentations on advancing cabin safety initiatives, managing children on board, and the critical safety role of flight attendants during emergencies. The event is presented in collaboration with Bombardier’s Safety Standdown program, an established initiative focused on aviation safety and professionalism.
Chris Milligan, Vice President of Pre-owned Aircraft Services and Flight Operations at Bombardier, stated in the press release that the event brings together professionals sharing a common goal of strengthening the standards and collaboration that keep passengers and crews safe.
Speaker lineup and industry participation
The 2026 summit features a roster of international aviation and safety experts. Scheduled speakers include Darlene MacLachlin, Technical Officer of Human Factors at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); Georgi Hester, Early Years Consultant at Norland; Lynnette McCoubrey, Chief of Cabin Safety and Training at Bombardier; and Melanie Folcik Barillaro, a Senior Aviation Accident Investigator.
The event has grown steadily since its inception. According to historical reporting by Aviation International News, the 2025 summit drew more than 150 flight attendants. Milligan noted that the summit has evolved into a premier forum for flight attendants in the corporate aviation industry.
AirPro News analysis
We view Bombardier’s continued investment in the Flight Attendant Safety Summit as a necessary step toward closing the regulatory gap between business aviation operations and commercial airlines. While regulatory bodies mandate strict, recurring emergency procedures training for commercial cabin crew, corporate flight attendants often operate under less stringent requirements. By providing free, standardized training and leveraging insights from the NTSB and ICAO, manufacturers like Bombardier are effectively taking on a leadership role in establishing baseline safety expectations for the business aviation sector.
Sources: Bombardier
Photo Credit: Bombardier
Business Aviation
HondaJet Elite II Receives ANAC Validation, Delivered in Brazil
Honda Aircraft delivers first HondaJet Elite II in Brazil after ANAC type validation, marking the ninth HondaJet in the country.
Honda Aircraft Company delivered the first HondaJet Elite II in Brazil on August 3, 2026, following the aircraft’s official type validation by the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
In a press release issued on August 3, the manufacturer confirmed that the ANAC validation clears the light jet for registration and operation within the country. The milestone delivery was made to Lider Aviação, Honda’s exclusive authorized sales representative in Brazil, ahead of the aircraft’s static display at the LABACE 2026 business aviation exhibition in São Paulo from August 4 to August 6.
Expanding the South American footprint
Lider Aviação has supported HondaJet deliveries in the region since 2017. This latest handover marks the ninth HondaJet delivered in Brazil. Lider Aviação operates a network of 22 fixed base operations (FBOs) across the country, providing a substantial support infrastructure for the growing fleet.
Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company, stated that the delivery highlights the manufacturer’s focus on building a global fleet presence.
“The enhanced features of the Elite II will enable customers in Brazil and across South America to travel farther, more efficiently, and with an elevated level of comfort,” Kelkar said.
Performance and automation upgrades
Unveiled in October 2022, the Elite II introduces several performance and avionics enhancements over previous iterations. The aircraft features a maximum National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) range of 1,547 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of up to 422 knots. These range capabilities are tailored to facilitate more direct city-pair connections across the expansive South American geography.
The cabin accommodates up to eight occupants. On the flight deck, the Elite II incorporates advanced automation designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance operational safety.
Avionics and safety systems
The aircraft is equipped with Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system and an autothrottle function. The autothrottle system automatically manages engine power to maintain desired speeds, which is particularly beneficial for pilots operating in busy airspace environments.
AirPro News analysis
The ANAC type validation of the HondaJet Elite II represents a calculated expansion into a market heavily reliant on business aviation. Brazil’s vast geography and the concentration of business centers make it a prime environment for light jets with extended range capabilities. By leveraging Lider Aviação’s established network of 22 FBOs, Honda Aircraft Company ensures that new operators have immediate access to maintenance and support infrastructure. We view the inclusion of Garmin’s Emergency Autoland and autothrottle as a significant competitive advantage in the owner-operator segment, where safety automation is increasingly driving purchasing decisions.
Sources: Honda Aircraft Company
Photo Credit: Honda Aircraft Company
Business Aviation
Bombardier Challenger 3500 at LABACE 2026 Latin America Tour
Bombardier exhibits the Challenger 3500 at LABACE 2026 in São Paulo as part of a 10-city Latin American demonstration tour.
Bombardier Inc. announced on August 3, 2026, that it will exhibit the Bombardier Challenger 3500 at the Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE) in São Paulo, Brazil, anchoring a 10-city demonstration tour across the region.
The exhibition at Campo de Marte Airport, scheduled for August 4 through August 6, 2026, follows the manufacturer’s recent milestone of 200 deliveries for the super-midsize aircraft type. In a press release issued by the company, Bombardier emphasized its focus on the Brazilian and broader Latin American business aviation markets.
Extensive Latin American demonstration tour
The LABACE 2026 appearance serves as the focal point for a broader regional sales initiative. The Challenger 3500 demonstration tour includes stops in Monterrey, Mexico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Asuncion, Paraguay; Santiago, Chile; Lima, Peru; Guayaquil and Quito, Ecuador; Bogota, Colombia; and Panama City, Panama.
“Bombardier is uniquely positioned in the Brazilian market, and as our extensive Latin American tour will attest, we are very committed to this important region,” said Frank Vento, Vice-President of Sales, U.S. and Latin America for Bombardier. “We are delighted to be showcasing the incredible attributes of these impressive aircraft at Latin America’s largest business aviation event.”
Challenger 3500 performance and market positioning
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 features a maximum range of 3,400 nautical miles and a top speed of Mach 0.83. The aircraft is capable of an initial cruise altitude of 43,000 feet.
The Latin American tour follows a period of notable corporate milestones for the manufacturer. On July 27, 2026, Bombardier announced the delivery of its 200th Challenger 3500 to Piero Ferrari, Vice Chairman of Ferrari. Three days later, on July 30, 2026, the company reported its second-quarter financial results, citing strong profitability and free cash flow growth.
AirPro News analysis
We view Bombardier’s aggressive 10-city demonstration tour as a strategic capitalization on recent corporate momentum. By pairing the 200th delivery milestone and positive second-quarter financial results with a physical presence at LABACE, the manufacturer is positioning the Challenger 3500 to capture replacement and growth orders in a region heavily reliant on business aviation for regional connectivity. The 3,400-nautical-mile range is particularly well-suited for operators needing non-stop access between deep South America and North American financial hubs.
Sources: Bombardier Inc. Press Release
Photo Credit: Bombardier
-
Regulations & Safety5 days agoICON Aircraft Launches ICON Sense Amphibious Safety System
-
Route Development6 days agoWashington Dulles Airport $20 Billion Overhaul Announced
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries2 days agoYakovlev MC-21-310 Completes Maiden Flight at Irkutsk Plant
-
Technology & Innovation6 days agoPositive Aviation FF72-X1 Receives First Composite Float
-
Commercial Aviation6 days agoIcelandair Leases 10 Airbus A320neos in Fleet Renewal Push