Sustainability and the environment will take the spotlight at the upcoming British General Aviation Association (BBGA) annual conference on March 5 at Luton Hoo’s historic Mansion House. The event will kick off with a keynote address by author, former European Parliament member, and World Bank representative Stanley Johnson.

BBGA has provided input for the Future Aviation Strategy 2050 plan, particularly how the unique characteristics of business and general aviation can contribute, and Paul Maynard, minister for aviation and major infrastructure, will discuss the importance of the forward-looking plan.

“We are on a precipice of an exciting new world in aviation, encompassing alternative fuels, modern renewable powerplants, new eVTOL models,” said BBGA CEO Marc Bailey. “Our recommendations for a sustainable future include maximizing use of airspace, performance-based navigation and multiple approach paths to minimize noise and fuel burn, and the need to invest in sustainable fuels.”

The last will be the focus of a panel featuring Bruce Parry, EBAA’s head of environment, with Thorbjörn Larsson, Air BP’s manager for the UK and Nordics, and Bryan Stonehouse, Shell Aviation's global biofuels manager. The conference agenda will also include topics such as sustainability at airports and tightening regulations on illegal charter operations.