Move To Integrate Private Aviation Welcomed By EBAA

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) recently joined other members of the European Business and General Aviation communities in welcoming the recent proposal by the European Commission to integrate business and general aviation into EU air transport policy.

On January 11, the European Commission adopted an agenda for this important sector in Europe, a move the EBAA has been campaigning for since its inception. The agenda was set after the Commission conducted a thorough study of the sector, quantified its value and identified its challenges. The Commission will now focus on high priority measures such as improving data gathering, the screening of legislation to ensure proportionality, and integrating General and Business Aviation into capacity optimization initiatives.

“We are very much encouraged by this recent development. The EBAA appreciates the amount of our input we find reflected in this document, and we are looking forward to continuing our close cooperation with the commission to ensure the balanced and constructive integration of Business Aviation into EU policy,” says Eric Mandemaker, CEO of the European Business Aviation Association.

Vice-President Jacques Barrot, Commissioner for transport, has acknowledged the value of non-commercial aviation, noting that it is a large source of employment, expertise, technology and revenues.

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) was founded in 1977 to defend the interests of business aviation. Today, more than 500 business aviation companies (direct members or members of associate organizations) rely on the EBAA to protect their business interests. It is the only voice to represent business aviation among the European institutions.

FMI: www.ebaa.org