While global civil aviation contributes just 2% of total global emissions, business aviation represents only a fraction of that. Still, Canada’s business aviation sector is fully committed to doing its part; investing in technology, efficiency, and sustainable fuels to build a cleaner future for all.

Aircraft Efficiencies

Business aviation operators in Canada are upgrading fleets and deploying innovative aircraft and engines designed for fuel savings and quieter performance.

  • New aircraft are 80% more fuel-efficient than first-generation jets

  • Overall industry fuel efficiency has improved by 40% over 40 years

  • Aircraft noise has decreased by 75% since the first jets

  • The global fleet is young averaging just 17.6 years

Green Manufacturing: Made in Canada

Canadian manufacturers are global leaders in aerospace innovation and environmental responsibility.

  • Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Mirabel Aerospace Centre is LEED Gold certified, built with low-emitting materials.

  • In November 2024, a C$11.3 million grant was provided to support next generation thermal engine technologies aimed at reducing emissions in future aircraft propulsion systems. Led by Pratt & Whitney Canada.
  • In February 2025, a major C$180 million federal investment (via CIB financing and PrairiesCan grants) was announced to build a 150,000 ft² aircraft engine test and maintenance facility in Calgary, dedicated to servicing lower emission engines and supporting sustainable aviation fuel adoption.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

SAF represents one of the most promising paths to decarbonize aviation. Canadian companies are already helping to lead the charge.

  • SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%

  • Business aviation supports SAF testing, validation, and procurement

  • Bombardier has used SAF in demonstration flights since 2017

  • C-SAF Launch: In early 2022, Canadian aviation industry leaders joined forces to create the Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (C-SAF), with the mission to accelerate the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in Canada, and to ensure that the sector remains competitive as it transitions to a net-zero future while creating new economic opportunities for Canadians.

We all have a role to play

CBAA is working with Transport Canada on Canada’s Aviation Climate Action Plan, which outlines the path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by 2050. Developed in collaboration with industry and government, the plan fulfills Canada’s commitment to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Smart Tech: Avionics & Airspace Efficiency

Technological upgrades don’t just improve safety they optimize air routes and reduce fuel burn.

  • Calgary International was one of the world’s first airports to use EoR (Established on RNP) for more efficient and quieter approaches.

  • NAV CANADA’s RNP AR procedures saved over 2.2 million litres of fuel and 6 million kg of emissions across 16 airports by 2019.