The European Business Aviation Summit (EBAS 2024) took place in Brussels on the 5th of December, bringing together leaders of the business aviation industry, aviation stakeholders and European policymakers. The summit's overarching theme of “Partnering for Progress” revolved around the role of business aviation in Europe’s economic fabric set against the backdrop of the beginning of the European legislative term 2024–2029, which is called to address the challenge of combining decarbonisation objectives with competitiveness.

Using EUROCONTROL data, we have compiled the European Business aviation traffic figures for November 2024.

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.

BASIC 2024 launched a new era in business aviation safety by bringing together diverse industry stakeholders to openly share ideas, build trust, and collaborate on real-world challenges. Through interactive sessions and focused “tribes,” participants moved beyond quick fixes toward deeper understanding and collective solutions.

The approval of the new European Commission highlights a shifting political landscape, with the EPP emerging as a key player in future compromises. Aviation policy under the von der Leyen II Commission will focus on balancing decarbonisation with competitiveness, involving multiple commissioners overseeing aviation initiatives. EBAA is committed to ensuring business aviation remains central to EU policies by advocating for net-zero goals, investments in aviation technology, and a competitive European market.

Teresa Ribera's appointment as the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition signals stricter sustainability policies for business aviation. EBAA will advocate for fair regulations while supporting the sector’s innovation and alignment with EU climate goals.

On November 28, 2024, Paul Walsh addressed sustainability at the SPBAA’s “Flying Into the Future of Business Aviation in Spain 2024” forum in Madrid. This event highlighted the industry’s need to lead in environmental responsibility and innovation. EBAA presented the STARS programme, a framework promoting measurable sustainability practices, and emphasized collaboration between European and national associations like SPBAA to drive meaningful action locally and align with broader European goals.

The past five years marked a turbulent era for European business aviation, driven by the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath. While activity surged briefly from mid-2021 to late 2022, driven by new customer demand and disrupted commercial flights, levels returned to pre-pandemic norms by late 2022. Claims of explosive growth are exaggerated, as 2022 activity mirrored 2007, highlighting the industry’s stability amid polarized debates on sustainability and class issues.

On November 11th in Cologne, the EBAA Safety Committee named Colin Russell as its new chairman, updated its terms of reference, and committed to re-engaging members to promote business aviation safety