The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) is urging EU institutions, European member states, Switzerland, the UK and other vital stakeholders to collaborate closely and develop harmonised rules for the safe reopening of air travel, proposing guidelines that ensure business aviation's safe and timely return to operations.

In the urgent call ahead of the EU summit discussing the COVID-19 response, the trade body representing the European business aviation community is urging all vital stakeholders to collaborate and work towards restoring the activity and livelihood of millions of Europeans, including those relying on the business aviation sector. In doing so, the EBAA has prepared proposed guidelines and rules that can ensure a safe, timely and workable return to normal operations.

The proposed guidelines include a real coordination of travel restrictions, rapid testing, vaccination as a facilitator rather than a condition to travel, the elimination of restrictions for business aviation crews and consideration of priority vaccinations for those operating medical and emergency flights.

“The business aviation sector has been operating emergency and medical flights safely throughout the crisis to help those where it was needed most,” says EBAA secretary general Athar Husain Khan. “Together with our proposed guidelines and the sector's ability to adapt and offer highly tailored operations, I see no reason for us not to operate.”

Business aviation will be on the frontline of the post-crisis recovery. The sector has always been a lifeline for communities, be it for medical transport or as a tool to help governments and businesses generate local economic development. Also, the operations in business aviation are adaptable, tailored and highly secure. Operators can offer specific precautionary measures and guarantees that ensure the highest level of safety. Additional safety measures have been developed and implemented in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.

As such, business aviation can and will be one of the first movers once it is safe to lift all travel restrictions. When families want to reunite, when companies need to transport workers once again, business aviation operators will be able to help, quickly and safely, EBAA concludes.