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.