Commercial Charter Operations Comprise A Large Share Of Biz-Av In Europe

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) said Monday that while the expansion of US Custom and Border Protection (CBP) air pre-clearance to private aircraft departing Ireland's Shannon Airport is an excellent initiative, it should apply to all of Business Aviation and not just Part 91 flights. The organization's says its stance is in line with the Business Aviation community.

“The EBAA represents the interests of Business Aviation in Europe, the fastest growing sector after the low cost carriers, now comprising around 8% of IFR traffic," said EBAA President and CEO Brian Humphries in a prepared statement at a launch reception held at Shannon Airport. "Business Aviation encompasses both corporate (noncommercial) and whole plane charter commercial operations."

Humphries pointed out that, in Europe, the charter commercial operations make up some 70% of the sector. And while the regulational infrastructure favors the latter, both commercial and non-commercial operations meet the same task for customers and are indivisible in nature. "Business and General Aviation is now recognized by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe as a vital part of the European aviation infrastructure in providing tailored, flexible, door-to-door transportation for individuals, enterprises and local communities, and in increasing the mobility of people, productivity of business and regional cohesion," he said. "It also accounted for €19.7 billion ($26.98 billion) in annual gross value added to the European Economy in 2007 or 0.2% of combined GDP (of the EU, Norway and Switzerland)."

"Rapid and unhindered access between the US and Europe is a vital and integral part of the service provided by Business Aviation. The EBAA therefore warmly welcomes the excellent work done by members of the sector, working closely with the US Customs and Border Control, to create a new ‘US border’ at Shannon Airport," the statement continued. "However, because of the indivisible nature of commercial and non-commercial Business Aviation, it is essential that this new service is provided to both elements of this non-airline sector."

"The pace of global business continues to accelerate and Business Aviation provides the competitive edge in getting the right people to the right place at the right time. The new facility in Shannon is, therefore, warmly welcomed by the EBAA as significantly adding to the Business Aviation value proposition for our transatlantic customers and for Ireland,” the statement concluded.

FMI: www.ebaa.org, www.shannonairport.com