The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has called on the European Commission to recognise general and business aviation as a strategic industrial asset in its renewed EU Aviation Strategy.

In a policy white paper submitted to the Commission, the association says the sector has a central role to play in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, supporting aerospace innovation and delivering essential public services.

The paper calls for open, rules based trade, more predictable certification, stable funding conditions and protection of the European Aviation Single Market. It also warns that fragmented national tax and environmental measures could increase costs, weaken investment certainty and damage European competitiveness.

GAMA says EASA must be resourced to deliver timely and proportionate certification, while workforce shortages should be addressed through education, reskilling and targeted skills initiatives.

On sustainability, the association urges continued support for ICAO’s CORSIA scheme rather than a unilateral expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System. It says European policy should remain technology neutral, with sustainable aviation fuel supported as the most immediate emissions reduction route while new propulsion technologies continue to develop.

General and business aviation contributes €110 billion annually to EU GDP, supports around 440,000 jobs and provides services including medical transport, humanitarian missions, firefighting and pilot training.

Kyle Martin, GAMA vice president of European affairs, says: “Europe has the opportunity to build an aviation strategy that strengthens industry, accelerates innovation and supports sustainability without undermining global competitiveness. Recognising general and business aviation as a strategic asset will be key to achieving those goals.”