Business Aviation continues to operate in a high-stakes policy environment, facing increasing legislative pressure at both European and national levels. At the heart of this evolving landscape, the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) is ramping up its advocacy efforts to ensure the sector’s voice is heard and its operations protected.
The session ‘EBAA is Your Advocacy Partner’ took centre stage today at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), on the newly unveiled AIROPS stage. Presented by Holger Krahmer, Secretary General of EBAA, attendees received an overview on how EBAA is defending the interests of Business Aviation in Brussels and across Europe.
The presentation outlined how the association is responding to the latest EU policy cycle, which has seen a shift in the European Parliament’s political balance following the 2024 elections. In response, EBAA launched its Business Aviation Manifesto and an educational policy booklet designed to inform EU policymakers of the sector’s strategic importance, its role in driving innovation, and its commitment to decarbonisation.
Krahmer explained: “We want our members to know that EBAA spends every day advocating for them, as well as actively shaping policy debate. Whether it’s slot access, fuelling mandates, energy taxation, or sustainability classifications, we are in the room, voicing our members’ concerns directly to decision-makers.”
The session highlighted several key files currently being addressed by EBAA, including its legal intervention in the EU Taxonomy case alongside Dassault Aviation, its ongoing push to reform the ReFuelEU anti-tankering regulation, and continued dialogue with EU institutions on the Energy Taxation Directive. The speakers also previewed the upcoming European Business Aviation Summit (EBAS) on 1st October, 2025, where the association will meet with European policymakers, MEPs and Commission officials to build support and visibility for its advocacy priorities.
In the second half of the session, Krahmer led a panel discussion with leading representatives from national Business Aviation associations including Charles Aguettant, President at EBAA France; Andreas Mundsinger, Managing Director at the German Business Aviation Association (GBAA); and Olivier Poncet, President at the Spanish Business Aviation Association (SPAA); and Aoife O’Sullivan, Chair at the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA).
Poncet noted: “80% of all international tourists going to Spain are flying. The proposed ban on short-haul flights would have been critical for major routes. The connectivity of our country depends on air travel, and Business Aviation is a key part of this.”
Mundsinger added: “With the new government in place, we’re seeing both opportunities and challenges. Business Aviation is crucial for the economy, people and connectivity. While we await changes to national transport policies, our priority now is to broaden understanding of the industry’s contribution to Germany’s industrial strategy.”
Aguettant said: “The introduction of French Solidarity tax poses new complexities for our operators. EBAA France is working tirelessly to ensure policymakers understand the economic value of Business Aviation. We need strong national associations to do this. We are here to help, protect and promote our industry.”
O’Sullivan concluded: ”There’s no denying the impact Brexit has had on the aviation industry. We’ve been spending the last few years trying to rebuild ground with the EU and negotiating with member states. BBGA is deeply engaged with UK policymakers to highlight how our industry underpins economic activity, creates jobs, and connects communities that would otherwise be left behind.”
Attendees were encouraged to see advocacy not as an abstract exercise but as a core mission to the EBAA that is strengthened by the input of its members. By engaging with national associations, supporting EBAA’s campaigns, and reporting regulatory pain points, operators and stakeholders can strengthen the Association’s ability to defend and promote the sector.
To learn more about EBAA’s policy initiatives or download the latest advocacy materials, visit www.ebaa.org.
