NBAA’s mission has always been to foster business aviation in the U.S. and around the world. As the sector becomes ever-more global in nature, that mission is more important than ever.
Consider our recent advocacy concerning Ireland’s Dublin Airport (DUB), where authorities threatened a ban on business aviation. NBAA partnered with other business aviation organizations to win continued access to the airport for U.S.-based companies operating business aircraft there. This was an important victory, not least because when one airport denies access to business aviation, it sets a potential precedent for shuttering access at other airports.
The NBAA has also pushed back on punitive international policies affecting business aviation, specifically targeting the proposed 50% increase in passenger duty taxes by UK officials. This tax hike applies to both commercial (charter) and non-commercial flights, consequently impacting all sectors of business aviation. As detailed in our 17-page submission from January, such an arbitrary increase would severely threaten the viability of business aviation operations, as well as critical medical, humanitarian and other essential missions.
Of course, international advocacy takes a number of forms. For example, our industry has become increasingly alarmed over GPS spoofing attacks in airspace outside the U.S., which can electronically jam navigation and terrain awareness and warning systems. NBAA is working with the FAA, OEMs and others to seek protections from these attacks, and keep you updated on what you need to know about them. A feature article in this International Edition of Business Aviation Insider offers the latest.
“Access to airports and airspace, taxes and other fees, cybersecurity, emissions, noise and other issues will be in focus at the triennial meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization beginning this September in Montreal.”
Access to airports and airspace, taxes and other fees, cybersecurity, emissions, noise and other issues will also be in focus at the triennial meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization beginning this September in Montreal. We are already working with our ICAO representative, the International Business Aviation Council, to ensure our sector’s voice is heard at this important meeting; look for updates in NBAA’s magazine, on our website and at our events.
Speaking of events, I want to thank NBAA’s International Operators Committee and others for the success of our recently completed International Operators Conference, which drew hundreds of attendees from 20 countries. If you were unable to join us, you can view the event’s virtual education sessions by visiting NBAA’s website.
Clearly, the quickly changing international operating landscape for business aviation requires effective advocacy not just in the U.S., but in political capitals around the world. You can count on NBAA to be prepared for global challenges in the years ahead.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.