The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has welcomed the European Union's acceptance of commercial air transport (CAT) operations using single engine turbine aircraft at night or in instrument meteorological conditions (SET-IMC) in Europe. The operations are now effective following publication in the EU's official journal, concluding a 20-year effort by industry and regulators to align Europe with the ICAO standards for CAT operations.

“The EU's acceptance of CAT [SET-IMC] operations has been a long-awaited moment for general aviation,” says GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “We are very pleased to see Europe joining other regions in permitting this important form of transport.”

The new regulation is based on 'rigorous safety analysis' according to GAMA, and contains 'all of the necessary safeguards' to facilitate this form of passenger transport. The association believes that the SET-IMC ruling will greatly enhance overnight cargo delivery and help provide connectivity to Europe's remote regions. GAMA members participated in a rule-making group created by EASA in 2012 to help develop the agency's regulatory framework.