By Mélissa Capizzi

EBAA’s Operational Affairs Department strives to represent the unique needs of business aviation

EBAA’s Operational Affairs Department ensures business aviation’s interests are represented in European and global initiatives. Through its work in areas like FABEC, TBO, PNR, and CNS modernization, EBAA fosters efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, strengthening the sector’s role in the European airspace ecosystem.

EBAA’s Operational Affairs Department plays a critical role in representing the interests of business aviation across a range of key industry initiatives and discussions. By engaging with various international and European bodies, EBAA ensures that the sector’s unique needs and challenges are consistently addressed.

Below are several key projects and initiatives where EBAA’s involvement significantly adds value to its members.

FABEC – Functional Airspace Block Europe Central

The Functional Airspace Block Europe Central (FABEC) is a platform for enhancing airspace performance in one of the world’s busiest and most complex regions, covering Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. FABEC focuses on optimising airspace design, air traffic management, and achieving shared performance targets. EBAA’s involvement in FABEC discussions ensures that business aviation’s specific operational needs—such as optimising flight paths and reducing environmental impact—are considered in these crucial developments. Our input helps promote initiatives like Continuous Climb and Continuous Descent Operations, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, aligning with our sector’s commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

Global TBO Symposium

The Global Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO) Symposium is a forum focused on discussing the evolution of flight trajectories, where aircraft move as close as possible to user-preferred paths to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. By participating in this forum, EBAA has advocated for business aviation’s approach to flight path optimisation is reflected in the TBO framework. This includes discussing flight planning and real-time adjustments, which not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions.

Passenger Name Record (PNR)

Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, including Advance Passenger Information (API), is crucial for enhancing border security and improving operational efficiency. EBAA’s role in collaborating with Passenger Information Units (PIUs) and operators ensures that our members remain informed about the latest guidelines and best practices for PNR compliance. By centralising and sharing relevant data, EBAA has helped streamline airport procedures and supports smoother passenger flows, ultimately benefiting business aviation operators in meeting compliance and operational standards.

CNS Programme Manager – Modernising Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) Infrastructure

EUROCONTROL’s CNS Programme Manager initiative aims to modernise Europe’s air traffic management infrastructure to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Through EBAA’s active participation, we have provided feedback that ensures business aviation’s operational needs—such as the adoption of new technologies and safety measures—are fully integrated into these modernisation plans. The effort also focuses on reducing emissions, increasing capacity, and harmonising infrastructure approaches across Europe, all of which directly benefit EBAA members.

By actively engaging in these initiatives, EBAA ensures that the voice of business aviation is represented, helping shape European and global aviation policy. This involvement not only contributes to operational efficiency but also supports the sustainable and innovative development of business aviation, reinforcing the sector’s role as a strategic pillar of the European airspace ecosystem.

Need more information ?

Please contact Mélissa Capizzi at mcapizzi@ebaa.org