Bombardier has been recognized with the 2025 Aviation Week Network Laureate Award for Environmental Stewardship, becoming the first business jet manufacturer to publicly disclose the environmental footprint of its entire in-production aircraft portfolio. This recognition highlights ongoing industry efforts toward transparency and sustainability in aviation.
Industry milestone in environmental disclosure
Bombardier’s Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) initiative provides a comprehensive life cycle analysis of its aircraft, assessing environmental impact from production to retirement. The company first introduced an EPD for its Global 7500 aircraft in 2020, followed by the Challenger 3500 in 2022, and expanded to include the Global 5500, Global 6500, and Challenger 650 by 2024.
“Our initiative set a precedent in the industry and demonstrates how Bombardier is ahead of the curve in openly sharing environmental data,” said Sean Johnson, Vice President, Aircraft Innovation.
EPDs, a common tool in industries such as construction and automotive, remain rare in aviation. Bombardier’s decision to publicly release these reports places it among the few aerospace manufacturers engaging in full environmental impact transparency. The company’s approach aligns with broader industry trends, as regulatory bodies and consumers increasingly demand sustainable solutions and clearer emissions reporting.
Environmental data and industry impact
The release of EPDs is part of a broader shift in aviation toward sustainable innovation and emissions reduction. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation industry contributes approximately 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions, prompting efforts to improve efficiency and explore alternative fuel sources such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
While business jets represent a smaller portion of overall aviation emissions, industry analysts suggest that greater transparency in environmental data can help accelerate the adoption of cleaner technologies. The inclusion of life cycle assessments in corporate sustainability strategies may also serve as a model for other manufacturers navigating evolving regulatory frameworks.
Recognition at Aviation Week Laureate Awards
The 2025 Aviation Week Laureate Awards, held on March 6, 2025, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, recognized Bombardier’s efforts in environmental disclosure as a step toward increased industry accountability. The award underscores the growing importance of data-driven sustainability initiatives in aerospace.
Broader trends in aerospace sustainability
Environmental reporting and emissions reduction remain key issues for aviation. Recent policy initiatives, such as the EU’s Fit for 55 package and the U.S. Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, emphasize the need for greater corporate responsibility in carbon emissions reporting and reduction.
Industry experts note that transparency initiatives, such as those adopted by Bombardier, could become a standard practice in the coming years as stakeholders push for increased sustainability in private and commercial aviation. The extent to which these disclosures lead to measurable reductions in emissions and operational efficiency remains a topic of ongoing assessment.
