European Business Aviation Manifesto Puts the Sectors’ Role for Competitiveness, Innovation, and Net-Zero Technologies Front and Centre

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) have published their manifesto for the 2024-2029 European legislative term, highlighting their commitment to driving a sustainable, competitive and safe aviation sector in partnership with the next European Commission and Members of the European Parliament.

With Europe striving to boost its competitiveness while achieving its climate targets, the business aviation sector emerges as an indispensable transportation solution for thousands of European companies, providing access to time-efficient, flexible, safe, and reliable connections, no matter how remote their final destination may be in any corner of the continent.

Within this context, the EBAA and GAMA policy manifesto calls on European policymakers to support business aviation in contributing to a more interconnected and prosperous Europe by advancing three main pillars:

·    Enabling business aviation to reach net-zero by 2050

·    Safeguarding a competitive, and fair European Single Market for business aviation operators

·    Investing in Europe, Investing in the Future

“We are proud to share our manifesto,” said Holger Krahmer, EBAA Secretary General. “We stand ready to engage with all stakeholders and continue being the bridge between the European business aviation industry and policymakers. By focusing on our three key policy pillars, we look forward to advancing discussions on solutions that will facilitate our members' uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and ensure a fair, non-discriminatory playing field for business aviation, granting equal access to airports and financing to develop net-zero propulsion technologies,” he continued.

“It has been made clear that the newly elected European Parliament and the soon to be elected College of Commissioners will be focused on steering Europe towards a more competitive and green future” said Kyle Martin, GAMA Vice President of European Affairs. “General and business aviation have made significant contributions to advance and strengthen the innovation pipeline for the broader aerospace sector. The manifesto sets out some of the key policy initiatives our industry is advocating for to ensure that we can continue working towards our common goal of a prosperous and sustainable European aviation sector.”

Through the three pillars, EBAA and GAMA advocate for a series of measures geared towards the recognition of the strategic importance of general and business aviation as the cornerstone for advancing innovation and decarbonisation in aviation. Key priorities for the current legislative term, among others, include incorporating business aviation into the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, implementing a robust book-and-claim system under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, simplifying non-CO2 reporting for small operators, and ensuring a level playing field in terms of access to airports and airspace for all users.

Earlier this year, EBAA released its messaging booklet named ''Flying Into The Future'', showcasing business aviation's societal value and economic contributions to decision-makers and the media.

Read the manifesto HERE.