Business aviation is being further scrutinized for its environmental performance and must actively consider what it could do to reduce its impact on climate change. Addressing the Business and General Aviation Association conference, David McMillan, director general for civil aviation with the UK Department of Transport, said that the sector still has a proportionally greater impact on climate change than airlines because it carries fewer people per volume of carbon emissions.

“The polluter pay principle will apply,” McMillan warned operators. “After some quick wins [in terms of new aircraft and engine technology], we now need to focus on further incremental gains. Can you do something to match the commercial sector?”

BBGA chief executive Mark Wilson said that there is no way to dodge the environmental issue. “We must take the lead on this and minimize our environmental impact,” he told conference delegates. “We mustn’t be open to the charge that we are doing nothing and find ourselves managed by those who don’t have our best interests at heart.”