Private jet industry debunks claims about bizjets at World Economic Forum, Davos

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International business aviation bodies have joined forces to debunk claims about the impact of business jet traffic during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland this week.

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and National Air Transportation Aviation (NATA) penned a joint letter responding to claims from Greenpeace, widely reported in the media, that the annual event causes an increase in business jet travel.

Greenpeace claimed the event increased flight activity in the area by around 1,000 extra flights. The joint letter said these reports are based on incorrect assumptions about the number of movements and the calculation of regular traffic, making the case that airports surrounding Davos are popular business aircraft destinations year-round.

The letter added that the WEF is not the only event that leads to an increase in traffic, and that some of the flights included in estimates are repositioning flights not directly linked to the event.

In response to Greenpeace’s claim that more than 1,000 private jets flew to and from airports around Davos for WEF 2022, the letter said the figure was inflated by about 400%. Instead, it pointed to WEF’s estimate of around 250 aircraft movements.

“These examples highlight the importance of considering all the facts and context when assessing the impact of the WEF on business jet traffic and not jumping to conclusions based on incomplete data,” said the letter. “Business aircraft are often the only way to reach certain remote locations, such as Davos, which is located in a mountainous region of Switzerland not easily accessible by train or other forms of transportation.”

Additionally, the letter argued that business aircraft provide a higher level of security to government and business leaders against corporate espionage.

The three associations said the “real issue” is sustainable flight. The letter said the business aviation industry has a “continuous and proven track record of becoming ever-more sustainable”, such as the growing investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Read the full letter here. For the latest news about SAF, visit our sister site SAF Investor.

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