It’s been a tough year for the European business aviation community. Like its U.S. counterpart, the industry took a hit as a result of the economic downturn, leading to a loss of business in all sectors. In addition, new rules and regulations have many in the industry on edge. In an interview with NBAA Convention News, Brian Humphries, president and CEO of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), discussed the issues affecting the industry and EBAA’s role.
What are the biggest issues facing European operators?
Clearly everyone is suffering due to the economic downturn. We’re not quite
as bad as in the U.S., but looking at the figures from Eurocontrol [the European organization for the safety of air navigation], the overall downturn looks as though it’s going to be about 15 percent this year, which takes us back down to 2005 levels. So, undoubtedly, the biggest challenge we have is the reduction in activity and the reduction in value for charter flights. And this is a challenge that operators are facing globally.
