Brussels

EBAA responds to proposals restricting business aviation in Europe

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has issued a formal response to the European Commission regarding the European Parliament’s Greens/EFA group proposal to temporarily restrict business aviation operations.

EBAA shared the position of the European business aviation industry with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

In the letter, EBAA affirmed its commitment to addressing the serious energy challenges currently facing the European Union. At the same time, the Association respectfully cautioned against measures that would restrict business aviation, as such actions would risk undermining fundamental principles of the Union, notably the freedom of movement within EU territory.

The Greens/EFA group proposal is deeply problematic, not just for business aviation. Limiting access to a specific mode of transport for a defined category of users raises important questions of proportionality, fairness, and legal coherence within the Single Market.

Business aviation represents a small share of overall aviation activity (around 7% of flights in Europe) with an even smaller proportion of total fuel consumption. As a result, the potential fuel savings from grounding these operations would be limited and would not meaningfully contribute to addressing the broader energy challenge currently facing the Union.

EBAA responds to proposals restricting business aviation in Europe

Róman Kok, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, stated: "Targeting business aviation through a lens of social inequality alone is a simplistic approach that ignores the technical and economic realities of European aviation. Our sector is not merely a niche for travel; it is a driver of innovation and a critical link for regional connectivity and essential services across the continent."

The Greens' proposal is not only unbalanced but also poses significant risks to Europe's labour market. Business aviation contributes €100 billion to European GDP and supports over 450,000 jobs across the continent. To portray this entire industry as purely discretionary travel is to overlook the medical flights, regional development, and nearly half a million employees who form the backbone of our sector.

As the unified voice of business aviation in Europe, EBAA remains fully committed to supporting the European Union's objectives on sustainability, energy security, and fairness. We would welcome the opportunity to further engage on solutions that are both effective and proportionate.