California-based private aviation services provider Clay Lacy Aviation has become the first company certified under NATA’s recently launched Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses program. The free, voluntary program encourages aviation businesses and airports to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of more environmentally friendly energy sources, and reduce waste operation-wide, with a self-certification process that is flexible in terms of its implementation and certification methods.

“NATA provides members of the business aviation community with practical tools to operate safely, improve service, and foster organization-wide sustainable practices,” explained NATA president and CEO Tim Obitts. "Clay Lacy Aviation’s innovative sustainability initiatives are a great example for the industry, and we congratulate them for being the first business aviation company to qualify for certification.”

Clay Lacy has been at the vanguard of aviation businesses embracing sustainability, offering sustainable aviation fuel at its Southern California FBOs and committing to installing electric aircraft charging infrastructure at all of its locations.

“A lot of time and energy has been invested by NATA staff and their environmental committee to develop this standard and the tools that will help aviation businesses incorporate more sustainable practices,” added Scott Cutshall, Clay Lacy’s senior v-p of development and sustainability. “This certification is an important next step in our journey toward sustainable operations.”