Over the past 15 years, the business aviation industry in Europe has evolved tremendously. It was at about this time that I first was introduced to the world of private aircraft while handling many of the ‘Royal barges,’ as they were called, that used to operate regularly in and out of London Heathrow. Was it really possible that just a handful of people could fly on a B747? I was hooked.

In many ways, the ‘high end’ is not the image that our industry wants to convey. There is no doubt that business aviation is more expensive than conventional methods but this thriving industry serves an important purpose by fulfilling a need that cannot be met any other means. I feel confident that the concept of business aviation will flourish in Europe as the benefits are realised.

The continued increase in attendance at the annual European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition is a good indicator of what the future holds. In fact, attendance at this event has more than doubled since its founding in 2001.

But in the meantime we do have obstacles. Looking at the list of top companies in Europe, it is discouraging to see that, for many, the advantages of utilising business aircraft have not yet been recognised or accepted. European businesses tend to maintain lower profiles and the perception is often that owning a corporate aircraft can send out the wrong messages. Our challenge over the next 15 years is to attract these new potential users.

The good news is that security, check-in delays, holding delays, ATC delays and baggage handler strikes have made even the shortest hop in Europe a gruelling and unpleasant task with commercial carriers. Many Europe-based companies now see time as a highly valuable asset that they need to exercise control over and business aviation is the answer to effectively managing that asset.

However, a primary challenge to the future of business aviation lies in building on the credibility that our industry has already created in Europe. Corporate aircraft or chartering ownership needs to remain attractive as well as become more accessible. Potential consumers are looking for quality, immediate benefit and value. That line of quality, integrity and value needs to run through every avenue of our industry.

At Universal Weather and Aviation, the progress we have made in Europe has been rapid. The major change is that Europe has become the point of origin as well as the point of destination for many of our clients. This is a result of European operators having the same requirement as US operators for long haul business jets.\r

Universal has specifically created ‘local’ services targeting the Europe-based operator who travels within and outside of Europe. From the European operations centre operated by Universal Aviation (UK) at London Stansted and Team Europe, based in Houston, to the UVair fuelling programme and various online resources, designed specifically for the Europe-based operator.

Fifteen years ago, Universal had just a handful of offices in Europe, but through the UVglobal Network, we now have facilities throughout the world and Europe including London, Paris, Dublin, Milan, Rome, Madrid, Athens and Moscow, to name a few.

Along with others in the industry, I look forward to when business aviation is viewed as a necessary asset and is considered a viable business tool. But as the industry is more accepted and continues to grow, it needs to remain special and deliver the business and personal solutions that it has been for the past 15 years.

Jonathan Howells, Regional Director, Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.