In mid-December Textron Aviation announced a new ProAdvantage program, SustainableAdvantage, to provide owners with an additional option for reducing their carbon dioxide emissions from operating aircraft. In collaboration with 4AIR, the program is set to launch this month and is available to eligible customers who own and operate Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker turbine aircraft worldwide.
Customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation Inc. through its global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.
“Owners have increasingly become interested in solutions that mitigate the carbon footprint of operating their aircraft,” said Brad White, senior vice president, Global Parts and Programs, Textron Aviation. “SustainableAdvantage provides them the opportunity to have a seamless option to offset their carbon emissions through a Textron Aviation approved program and supplier.”
Textron Aviation will administer SustainableAdvantage as part of its easy-to-use array of ProAdvantage programs and connect owners to 4AIR – the first company to offer comprehensive sustainability solutions for business aviation. SustainableAdvantage will offer owners the option to offset their aircraft emissions footprint with 4AIR’s Bronze Level. Carbon offsets reduce emissions elsewhere which can be claimed against the carbon footprint from operating aircraft.
“Our relationship with Textron Aviation acknowledges the many strides we have made in the industry to make sustainability more accessible,” said Nancy Bsales, chief operating officer, 4AIR. “We are excited to provide Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners with sustainable solutions that address and meet their environmental commitments and goals.”
4AIR will provide owners who choose to join SustainableAdvantage a personalized, annual report that will document offset purchases. Additionally, 4AIR offers monitoring and compliance reporting requirements for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the European Union, French and United Kingdom Emissions Trading System (ETS) as well as other ESG reporting requirements.
The SustainableAdvantage portfolio currently managed by 4AIR supports four projects around the globe:
- Rainier Gateway Forestry Project
- Cookstove Project
- Bundled Solar
- Solar Energy – Renewable Power by Adani
Sustainability at Textron Aviation
Textron Aviation is committed to environmental sustainability and natural resource conservation and supports the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change. As part of Textron Inc., Textron Aviation established enterprise-wide five-year goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, and reduce energy consumption, water use and waste generation by 10% by the end of 2025. Additionally, nearly all the company’s electricity needs in Kansas are powered by renewable wind energy.
Robust investments in Textron Aviation’s products and facilities encourage sustainability in its designs and operations. The Beechcraft Denali and Cessna Citation Ascend highlight the company’s dedication to reducing emissions and improving efficiency through its new aircraft projects. Customers can take delivery of their aircraft using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and they can also refuel with it at Textron Aviation’s service center in Wichita, Kansas.
The company is actively supporting the development of sustainable propulsion solutions, such as hydrogen electric and hybrid electric. Its global service network received recertification from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) as a Green Aviation Business and by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) for the increased sustainability efforts of its ground support.