Restrictions on business aviation could cost Europe up to €120 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and 104,000 jobs by 2030, an Oxford Economics study has warned.

The study, commissioned by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), underscored the sector’s role in attracting investment, supporting remote regions and facilitating essential services such as medical transport.

Proposed EU policies such as short-haul flight limitations and slot restrictions could deter businesses from operating in Europe, reducing FDI by €76–€120 billion and cutting employment in foreign-controlled enterprises (FCEs) by 57,000–104,000 jobs. Germany, Italy and Poland, where FCE activity is high, would be the most affected countries.

EBAA secretary general Holger Krahmer says: “Targeting business aviation with restrictions and unfair regulatory burdens, like the exclusion from the EU Taxonomy framework, risks €120 billion in FDI and thousands of jobs by 2030. We should move away from the ban mentality and focus on policies that support innovation, decarbonisation and competitiveness.”

In 2023, business aviation contributed €44 billion to GDP through direct operations and an additional €56 billion through supply chains and worker spending. Business aviation networks also supported over 70,000 medical flights, averaging 191 per day.

Industry leaders have stressed the importance of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in reaching climate goals. Research indicates that increasing the use of SAF may cut CO₂ lifecycle emissions per flight by up to 80 per cent, potentially offering an effective path toward decarbonising the sector while preserving its economic benefits. Frank Moesta, senior vice president at Rolls-Royce, says: “SAF is not just a future aspiration; it’s a viable, proven, low-emission drop-in solution available now and it’s essential to today’s decarbonisation of air travel.”

EBAA and GAMA are urging policymakers to adopt a strategic approach to business aviation that prioritises sustainable innovation over restrictive measures.