The US National Air Transport Association (NATA) and representatives of the fractional ownership and aircraft management industries have met with representatives of France’s Civil Aviation Inspector General’s office. They discussed the economic and safety regulations applicable to fractional programme aircraft, in particular US-registered fractional aircraft that are operated internationally.

“NATA commends the French for their efforts to learn about the various aspects of aircraft ownership in the United States, prior to imposing any restrictions on fractional aircraft,” said NATA president James K Coyne.

“The European community is facing the same dilemmas regarding the proper safety and economic regulation of fractionally-owned aircraft that were faced just a few years ago in the United States.”

While the United States has resolved concerns related to the regulation of fractional programme aircraft and deemed them to be private aircraft operations, it remains a controversial subject in Europe where, traditionally, standards have applied to aircraft ownership.

During the meetings, NATA reiterated that in their opinion, while the French government will ultimately reach its own decisions for regulating any fractional programmes that are established in France, ensuring the continued operation of US-registered fractional aircraft abroad represents a substantial positive economic impact for France and all European nations and should be encouraged, not restricted.

“It is our ultimate goal to help create an international environment that ensures freedom of movement for all types of aircraft owners, including fractional and managed aircraft,” concluded Coyne. “We welcome this opportunity to work in a cooperative environment to resolve this complex issue and look forward to continuing to build our relationship with French aviation leaders.”

NATA is the US public policy group representing the interests of business aviation before Congress and the federal agencies.