4 Business Aviation Challenges and How Dispatch Helps Navigate Them

Business aviation currently faces numerous challenges that impact operational efficiency. These challenges also test the industry's resilience to adapt and thrive amidst these obstacles, all while continuing to foster growth and innovation. From evolving regulations to fluctuating economic conditions, there will always be a hurdle on the runway. The ability to adapt to these hurdles and find ways to navigate challenges is going to determine the success and sustainability of your operation.

4 challenges impacting the business aviation industry

Let’s explore a few of the biggest challenges business aviation operations currently face, and what your organization can do to help curb the potential impact they have on operations.

Evolving regulations and compliance requirements

Regulations for business aviation are rapidly evolving due to a mix of international and national policies put in place to reduce aviation’s environmental impact. Initiatives like Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and RefuelEU are already creating significant benchmarks that operations must comply with to remain compliant. This poses significant challenges for smaller operators who don’t frequently fly within European airspace as it can slow down or halt operations due to stricter reporting and emission guidelines.

As these regulatory guidelines evolve, staying ahead of the new policies is crucial for maintaining efficient and compliant flight operations.

Pressure to reduce carbon emissions and adopt sustainable practices

Although aviation emissions make up a small percentage of overall transportation emissions–and business aviation even a smaller percentage–the aviation industry has been under immense pressure the past decades to decrease the environmental impact and lean into more sustainable options.

This pressure is particularly noticeable in business aviation, where private flights have faced growing scrutiny for their carbon output. It’s even gone as far as celebrities having their private flights publicly tracked and then displaying online how many emissions were released during that flight.

Another sustainability topic mentioned in aviation centers around “empty leg” flights. According to NBAA, it’s estimated that 41% of private jet flights are operated on an “empty leg”. As in, no one but the flight crew is onboard.

Fluctuating economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, unpredictable fuel prices

Economic instability, geopolitical conflicts, and fluctuating fuel prices create an uncertain environment for business operators.

Economic instability, geopolitical conflicts, and fluctuating fuel prices create an uncertain environment for business operators.

When geopolitical tensions are high in certain parts of the world, traveling around those areas becomes incredibly difficult. Airspace restrictions tighten, making it challenging to file efficient flight plans. Fuel prices surge, leaving operators with two choices:

• Absorb the loss of profit margins
• Pass that cost onto consumers, potentially decreasing the demand for flights

It can often feel like a lose-lose situation.

Demand for skilled pilots outpaces supply, leading to increased labor costs

Currently, the business aviation industry is experiencing a significant pilot shortage, with many pilots flocking to major airlines due in part to higher salaries, signing bonuses, and a stronger recruiting presence, according to AOPA. Add in the fact that corporate pilots need to not only be proficient in the aircraft they fly, but also skilled at providing a high level of customer service to their passengers–it can be challenging to find qualified candidates.

As airlines expand and develop robust training programs for new pilots, business operators' are left with a few choices for how to attract and retain top talent. Besides adjusting salaries to stay competitive with the majors, organizations are investing in their culture to highlight the quality of life and balance between flying schedules and time off.

The role of innovation in overcoming these challenges

Innovation should not be something that is feared in the industry, instead seen as an inevitable currently happening across every industry globally. One that is playing a crucial role in business aviation is enhancing the big three of safety, security, and efficiency.

For example, Safety Management Systems (SMS), which have been mandated in the airlines since 2015, are now making their way into business aviation operations. The FAA is giving charter airlines, commuter airlines, and air tour operators 36 months to become compliant with Part 5. “That is going to help give the industry time to review the rule, identify needed changes, and develop a workable solution to Part 5,” said Doug Carr, Senior Vice President of Safety, Security, Sustainability, and International Affairs at NBAA.

With an SMS in place, operators can proactively identify and manage risks, thus creating a safer environment for crew and passengers. This plays a crucial role in regulations and ensuring flight operations stay compliant with safety requirements.

Another critical innovation has been the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is an alternative to fossil-based jet fuel and has been in development for nearly 13 years. It is commonly made from renewable feedstocks, like bio-based feedstocks, advanced biofuels, and waste streams and has a similar performance profile as Jet-A, and reduces lifecycle emissions.

While approved for blends of up to 50% SAF with fossil-based Jet-A, currently commercially available SAF is only a 30% blend. According to NBAA, business aviation is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In fact, a few companies are already embracing these sustainable fuel options. Gulfstream completed their first Trans-Atlantic flight in a G600 using 100% sustainable fuel in November of 2023.

The next step forward in innovation is streamlining how flights, both domestically and internationally, are managed. ForeFlight Dispatch is that next step.

How ForeFlight Dispatch is solving business aviation innovation challenges

ForeFlight Dispatch was specifically designed to address challenges that business aviation operations face daily Between dispatchers' burnout to the increasing complexity of domestic and global trip planning, flight operations are being stretched to their limits. And that’s where ForeFlight Dispatch helps.

"After integrating with ForeFlight, Aercaribe could manage the entire process within the ForeFlight ecosystem, bypassing the need to contact all relevant parties individually. The dispatch office could simply plan the flight in ForeFlight Dispatch while keeping pilots informed, synchronizing, and organizing the entire flight department" - Mario Espinosa, Captain, AerCaribe

Dispatch is an add-on to ForeFlight’s Mobile and Web application. One that is setting a new standard in team flight planning and empowering pilots, flight planners, and operations managers to streamline their coordination and flight planning processes.

1) Streamlines flight planning processes

By integrating real-time weather updates, NOTAMs, and flight tracking, and airspace changes, Dispatch ensures that flight plans are efficient and compliant with global regulations, reducing the workload for your planners and limiting delays.

2) Automates routine tasks

Automating tasks like weight and balance calculations and takeoff and landing performances helps reduce the likelihood of manual input errors. This not only speeds up operations, it also creates a safer environment for your flight crews during critical phases of planning.

3) Foster collaboration between planners and pilots

With Dispatch, planners and crew members can collaborate in real-time and make updates to flight plans which seamlessly integrate into Dispatch and ForeFlight Mobile. This ensures that planners and pilots are always on the same page, which improves operational efficiency and reduces the chance of miscommunication.

4) Saves you money

By optimizing route selection and streamlining the operational process, ForeFlight Dispatch helps reduce fuel consumption and minimize unnecessary expenses. Being cost-conscious is critical for BA organizations due to the naturally rising cost of fuel, labor, and permits and authorizations.

The future of business aviation

Looking ahead, the future of business aviation is certainly bright. According to Honeywell’s 32nd annual Global Business Aviation Outlook, they forecast 8,500 new business jet deliveries worth $278 billion from 2024 to 2033. "Our industry is on the upswing. Operators are showing confidence with plans to expand their fleets at a faster rate than at any time in the previous decade," said Heath Patrick, President, Americas Aftermarket, Honeywell Aerospace.

Coupling industry growth with exciting technological advancements, organizations can feel confident investing in growth, as well as leveraging technologies that reduce the workload for their teams, and create the safest environment possible for both flight crews and passengers.

Tools like ForeFlight Dispatch unlock a comprehensive suite of flight planning tools that will continue to change the way BA organizations manage their flights.