Aviation strategy is first step in long journey to boost competitiveness in Europe
Brussels, Belgium – 11 December 2015 – The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), representing the interests of more than 500 companies in the sector, re-emphasizes the need for more concrete measures to help boost the growth and competitiveness of business aviation. The reaction comes in response to the European Commission’s recently published Aviation Strategy and its relative silence over important aspects that the Association deems crucial to help boost economic growth in Europe.
The sector recognizes that the long-awaited Aviation Strategy is an interesting attempt at improving the international competitiveness of the air transport industry, perhaps less so at strengthening the internal market though. It provides an official framework through which the industry can remedy its structural weaknesses vis-à-vis global competitors, especially at a time of sluggish economic performance. Yet, its substance could be more effective in offering tangible initiatives that would have a lasting effect for all players in the air transport value chain.
Among the many issues that the Aviation Strategy attempts to resolve is the looming airport capacity crunch. The underlying issue is complex and in part requires a thorough revision of the regulatory framework that manages airport slots. But in parallel to slot management, the European Commission could do more to encourage the use of smaller, regional airports which would complement its effort to alleviate traffic at major hubs. For this to happen, the Aviation Strategy must call for quicker adoption of satellite-based technology (precision approaches) that would enable regional airports to be part of the network that could accommodate all types of aircraft. Not only is the technology readily available, it is cost effective and safer than existing equipment.
Fabio Gamba, CEO of the EBAA, comments: “Business Aviation is a valid part of the aviation system that provides vital links between often remote communities not served by larger commercial airlines. It makes for the second largest business fleet in the world and the fact that the Aviation Strategy does little to accommodate the sustainability of its specificities will not only be to the detriment of the industry but to all within its value chain. Therefore, the association looks forward to helping European leaders advance the good work that has been achieved with the Aviation Strategy to ensure that the needs of all segments in air transport are met.”
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About EBAA:
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) was founded in 1977 to defend the interests of business aviation. Today, more than 800 business aviation companies (direct members or members of associate organisations) rely on the EBAA to protect their business interests. It is the only voice to represent business aviation among the European institutions. For more information, visit www.ebaa.org.
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