Technology Marches On

One thing that COVID-19 did not slow down was the inexorable march of new technology.

The past year has been characterized by a drumbeat of headlines about expanded production and distribution of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the development of new advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, progress on electric and hydrogen propulsion and other technologies. Experts predict that the pace of development in these and other areas will only accelerate as our sector completes its emergence from the pandemic.

Of course, business aviation’s support for emerging technologies is not new. The industry has always advocated for advances that help on-demand air transportation operate safely and efficiently. Accordingly, NBAA works to foster innovation.

For example, the association is backing the Sustainable Skies Act, which would create a performance-based blender’s tax credit to incentivize SAF production by establishing a credit of up to $2 per gallon for fuels that achieve a 100% greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Increased use of SAF is pivotal to achieving aviation’s goal of a 50% net reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050.

Also, NBAA is part of a coalition asking Congress to include proposals to achieve dramatic carbon-emissions reductions in upcoming infrastructure legislation. Besides advancing SAF, NBAA wants legislators to support deployment of low- and zero-emission technologies, increase aviation environmental R&D funding and continue air traffic management advancements.

Indeed, a new low-altitude management system will be key to safely integrating AAM aircraft into a continually modernizing aviation infrastructure. To that end, NBAA has set up its Advanced Air Mobility Roundtable, a forum for engaging AAM companies in policy planning to address airport access, airspace management, local community engagement and other priorities.

While it’s important to lay the groundwork for tomorrow’s technologies, we also need to promote the game-changing advances that are making a difference today. That’s why NBAA was honored to endorse the nomination of Garmin for the prestigious Collier Trophy for Garmin Autoland, the first certified emergency autonomous system to safely fly and land an aircraft without human intervention.

Business aviation will continue to innovate, and many emerging products and services will be showcased at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, which this year will be held Oct. 12-14 in the brand-new West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The technology on display will be impressive, but equally important, the show will offer an opportunity to hear more about the aviation world of tomorrow from the leaders shaping it today. We look forward to seeing you there.