The scheme had aimed to stop about 9,100 flights next summer to reduce noise disruption, but EBAA welcomed the reversal and said some industry stakeholders, including Schipol Airport, had “misconceptions” about business aviation which are “not aligned with reality”.

The US had threatened retaliation and EU Transport Commissioner Adina-Ioana Vălean had voiced concerns over potential infringement proceedings against the Netherlands.

 “This is certainly good news,” said Róman Kok, senior communications manager, EBAA.

“We’ve been. deeply involved in the Dutch case, advocating for our members and the broader industry. However, it’s clear that certain stakeholders like Schiphol Airport still hold misconceptions about the business aviation industry, often incorrectly perpetrating it as a primary contributor to noise and emissions issues.

“It is imperative that we dispel these misconceptions, affirming that such perceptions are not aligned with reality and emphasising our industry’s steadfast commitment to sustainable and responsible practices.”

EBAA is calling for “more nuanced approaches” to managing airport noise and environmental impacts.

It says reducing the number of flight slots is not the sole way to reduce noise at airports, suggesting a combination of methods should be employed such as constant descent approaches and optimised flight routings.

EBAA says it believes in a “strong and efficient” air transport network alongside an awareness of “environmental responsibilities”.

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Krahmer‘s early career was in banking. He then served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing Germany’s Free Democratic Party. He was first elected in 2004 and served for 10 years. After leaving the European Parliament he worked with carmaker Opel Groupe as director of European Affairs. He then moved to Mercedes-Benz Group as head of its group representative office in Brussels.

“We are very pleased to welcome Holger at EBAA, especially during these challenging times for business aviation in Europe” said Juergen Wiese, chairman, EBAA. “Given his diverse industry experience, notable tenure in Brussels as a legislator and a commendable record in transport industry advocacy, we are optimistic about fortifying both EBAA and European Business Aviation under his guidance.”

EBAA has been looking for a secretary-general after the sudden death of Athar Husain Khan in March 2023. Husain Khan had held the role since 2018.

“Being intimately familiar with the challenges of the European transportation sector and how the European institutions work”, said Krahmer. “I look forward to this exciting position and I am well aware of the huge tasks that lie ahead to ensure that business aviation will continue to thrive, connect regions and enable economic and societal development as well as serve as an incubator for innovations to the overall aviation industry.”

The Free Democratic Party is seen as centre-right party in Germany. It is pro-free markets but also libertarian. During his time as an MEP Krahmer served on the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.

“NBAA joins the rest of the aviation community in welcoming Holger Krahmer as EBAA secretary-general,” said Ed Bolen, CEO, NBAA. “Holger brings to the position a background in both government service and transportation-sector advocacy. His ability to leverage effective partnerships will serve the industry well, especially at a moment characterized by significant challenges and promising opportunities. We look forward to working with him and his team to advance our shared priorities in Europe and around the world.”

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Protests against private jets, airports and trade shows, such as EBACE 2023, seem to be growing apace – mainly (but not exclusively) in Europe. It’s been matched in Europe by an apparent growing frustration at the industry’s vulnerability to such action.

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) told CJI last month of its “increasing concern” about the implications of destructive and disruptive airport protests for the broader aviation industry. “The EBAA calls upon the individual members states to actively prosecute those individuals who knowingly breach and enter secured airport spaces,” a spokesman told us. “We acknowledge and respect the public’s right to protest, but activism should not compromise the safety of passengers, crew, and airport personnel.”

Social media posts about the topic on LinkedIn by EBAA, Globe Air and CJI drew hundreds of responses. Here’s a flavour: “It’s ludicrous that an industry body has to remind law makers/enforcers that individuals who commit criminal acts need to be effectively punished,” wrote Tim Barber, Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions EMEA & Asia, Duncan Aviation. “A criminal act is a criminal act regardless of the cause.”

Frans Dechaene, director of Operations at European charter operator FlyingGroup noted: “When a pilot wants to access his/her aircraft he/she has almost to undress at ‘security’. Whereas the same airports allow gangs of eco terrorists to swarm across the runway and close down an entire airport, at the same time damaging precious aircraft. Where is this madness heading to?”

GlobeAir’s LinkedIn post on our story about airport security proved particularly popular, drawing more than 100 responses. “GlobeAir is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers, crew, and airport personnel. Recent developments have highlighted the increasing concern about disruptive airport protests affecting the broader aviation industry,” it posted on LinkedIn last month. “While we respect the public’s right to protest, activism must not compromise the safety and functionality of airports.”

It’s activism that is leading to more protection for principals, planes and the airports that serve them, according to MedAire, the security, medical and travel consultancy. “We have observed an increase in both the frequency and intensity of protests targeting the business aviation sector,” Jeremy Knochel, global security manager, Aviation & Maritime, MedAire told us. “Activists have caused significant damage to private aircraft, resulting in substantial financial losses.”

GlobeAir’s LinkedIn post on our story about airport security proved particularly popular, drawing more than 100 responses. “GlobeAir is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers, crew, and airport personnel. Recent developments have highlighted the increasing concern about disruptive airport protests affecting the broader aviation industry,” it posted on LinkedIn last month. “While we respect the public’s right to protest, activism must not compromise the safety and functionality of airports.”

It’s activism that is leading to more protection for principals, planes and the airports that serve them, according to MedAire, the security, medical and travel consultancy. “We have observed an increase in both the frequency and intensity of protests targeting the business aviation sector,” Jeremy Knochel, global security manager, Aviation & Maritime, MedAire told us. “Activists have caused significant damage to private aircraft, resulting in substantial financial losses.”

There’s a growing list of airports targeted by protests – and not all of them are in Europe. In February this year, a coalition of protestors targeted London Luton Airport, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and Bromma Airport in Stockholm. It followed protests against private jets in Brussels, Seville and Los Angeles. High profile attacks have also taken place in northern Germany, at EBACE 2023 in Geneva and in July, on an Embraer Phenom 300E on the Mediterranean holiday island of Ibiza.

These were not isolated incidents but evidence of a rising tide of protest, according to MediAire. “We anticipate that these protests may escalate in frequency, disruption and damage to the aviation community,” said Knochel.

It’s not just a case of beefing up security at airports that cater for private jets – although that can be a key step. “In Europe and North America, most small airports have robust security measures in place but there can be gaps due to the less stringent regulations compared with commercial airports,” said Knochel.

Another part of the remedy is more comprehensive risk assessment and enhanced protection for principals, planes and airports. “It’s crucial to proactively gather information about potential protest activity in the area that could disrupt operations. This includes creating contingency plans for potential disruptions and conducting pre-travel briefings to ensure all crew members and guests understand the appropriate responses to protestors,” he said.

The British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) has suggested nine general strategies that airports and authorities might employ to deter disruptive airport protests. The top four are: designated protest areas, clear communications, engage with protestors and increased airport security.

Could the rising tide of protests against private jets, their owners and operators plus the airports from which they fly drive a hike in insurance premiums? While there’s no evidence of that, industry insiders don’t discount the possibility.

Todd Guelich, senior vice president at insurance firm AssuredPartners Aerospace reports no underwriter concerns related to the airport incursions by the protesters yet. However, that could change. “I would not expect to see any defined reaction to sporadic activity,” he tells CJI. “But should there be a trend related to defined airports where losses can be tracked frequently, there could be some form of deductibles or location surcharges considered.”

Admittedly, most people in business aviation are more concerned about white tails with wings rather than their ungulate namesakes. But from today, the white-tails in North Dakota (and some other states) can expect to endure the fire of hunters until at least January 1st 2024, when the season closes. It looks like the private jet industry – on both sides of the Atlantic – will have to endure attacks from environmental protestors for much longer than that.

Above: White-tailed deer are now  in the firing line in North Dakota.

Top: So, too are private jets. This was pictured at EBACE 2023.

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Martin Feč, co-founder and CEO of the Czech-based Gemini Wings said: “Our membership with EBAA will enable us to expand our network and promote our services to a wider audience. We are thrilled to be a part of such a reputable organisation and look forward to the opportunities it will bring.”

Founded in 2021, Gemini Wings leases spare capacity from private jet owners and operators and offers flight hours on the charter market. “Gemini Wings provides aircraft operators and individual owners with aircraft utilisation services that lead to higher efficiency of aircraft operations, reducing operational costs for individual aircraft owners and operators, while generating a guaranteed regular monthly income through effective use of their aircraft,” according to the company.

In May Gemini Wings, headquartered in Prague grew its sales team with the appointment of Jana Holomucka as a flight consultant. Formerly a sales manager with Czech operator Queen Air, Holomucka manages charter flights and works with operators, brokers, and the company’s clients. “Her knowledge of the industry, from all angles of the operation over 20 years, has proven invaluable for helping her understand client needs and provide top-notch service to even the most demanding customers,” said Feč.

Above: Jana Holomucka joined Gemini Wings as a flight consultant.

Top: This Cessna Citation Excel joined the Gemini Wings fleet last year.

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Joby Avation, Vertical Aerospace and Archer Aviation are just three of the pioneers in our feature. With next year earmarked as entry into service for the front runners, we examine how they raise capital, navigate their flight path through aircraft design, plan target markets and winning certification approvals. eVTOLS: Commercial take off in the 2020s?

CJIQ’s exclusive survey of the latest trends in private jet connectivity reveals a “Watershed moment”, according to our research partner Inmarsat. Our exclusive survey of nearly 100 private jet owners, charter operators, corporates, fractionals, brokers and advisers, uncovers the latest connectivity trends and preferences. We capture the current state of private jet aviation connectivity in just eight questions. CJI Connectivity Survey: Reveals ‘watershed moment’ 

Staying with connectivity, we explore how monitoring jet power plants in-flight can alert technicians to emerging problems in real time. This exciting new technology can improve engine efficiency, cut maintenance down time and costs and help to save lives, according to the leading manufacturers and other businesses we consulted. Engine connectivity: Revving up to reap the benefits

This edition also pays tribute to the late Athar Husain Khan, former secretary-general, European Business Aviation Association. Talking to colleagues and friends on both sides of the Atlantic, it’s clear business aviation lost a passionate advocate with the sad passing of Khan earlier this year. Remembering Athar Husain Khan

Three aviation businesses featuring in this edition are ACASS, EY Law and London Biggin Hill Airport. ACASS offers insight on aircraft management. Managing aircraft for clients is demanding at the best of times and even more difficult during a global pandemic, according to the Montreal company. (ACASS makes a second appearance in our Day in the Life section – details to follow). Aircraft management: Insight from ACASS

Legal specialists EY Law explains the three factors, it says, are influencing progress on sustainability in business aviation. The sustainability challenge: Three key drivers 

London Biggin Hill Airport takes centre stage in our Aircraft Family feature. Andrew Walters, who with his son Robert, runs the iconic Biggin on the Bump, recalls how the location has proved pivotal three times in his life. And how to navigate the potential benefits and pitfalls of managing a family aviation business. Aircraft Family: ‘Biggin Hill in my blood since 22’ 

We also report from Austria from the factory of jet interiors specialist F/LIST. We report how the business is creating a new world of shapeshifting cabin furniture, thanks to the novel materials it has created. F/LIST: Cabin shapeshifters save space 

Some 600 business leaders attended our London conference in February this year. The twin themes were the viability of business aviation and how to improve its sustainability record. We catch a flavour of both the debate and the many networking events delegates enjoyed.

CJI London 2023 and CJI London Party

We close this edition with planes and an industry personality. Jet Data delivers all the key metrics covering business jet performance, cabin and exterior dimensions and, of course, prices in our handy guide. Jet Data: The vital numbers you need to know.

The personality featuring in our popular Day in the Life feature is Zipporah Marmor, vice president Aircraft Transactions at aviation brokerage, management and services company ACASS. Here’s how Marmor juggles her role at ACASS, with her position as chair of International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) and motherhood before finding time to lift 250lbs weights for fun. We weigh up her busy day. Day in the Life: Zipporah Marmor, ACASS 

Meanwhile, you can read the Digital version of Corporate Jet Investor Quarterly Q2 2023 here. And why not register for your free copy of the print publication here. (If you enjoy reading our features, please share the link with friends and colleages). Plus if you would like to suggest a feature article for a forthcoming edition, please contact Mike Stones. And thanks for reading us.

Zipporah Marmor juggles her roles at ACASS and IADA with motherhood and lifting 250lbs weights.

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Some of the activists travelled over from the UK to take part. Several attached themselves to aircraft before being removed by the police. At least 102  protestors were arrested, according to Greenpeace.

They caused major disruptions with Geneva airport closing the runway. Aircraft were forced to divert to Zurich and Lyon before being refuelled. Burning many extra litres of fuel. The static display was closed for a short period.

“This is a completely unacceptable form of protest,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen and EBAA chairman Juergen Wiese in a statement. “We condemn the action, and the threat it has posed to the safety and security of exhibiting companies and EBACE attendees, and others at Geneva Airport.”

The industry is open to “constructive dialogue about the industry’s sustainability leadership”, they said. “And we regret the protestors’ unfortunate decision to disregard an opportunity for that dialogue to take place.”

In the afternoon there was a planned demonstration with between 150 and 200 protestors outside Palexpo. The demonstration included representatives from environmental pressure groups Transport & Environment, Extinction Rebellion and actif-trafiC.

Youri Bernet, an activist representing actif-trafiC told CJI protestors were there to demonstrate against the symbolism of private aviation. “How can you ask someone to reduce their emissions and fly less when there are private aircraft flying above them? Private jets are not something that should exist in this type of climate crisis.” he told CJI. “This is the second biggest event for private aviation in the world and Geneva is one of the most important airports in Europe for private aviation. This is not acceptable in the climate crisis we face.”

Robert Baltus, chief operations officer, EBAA  explained that his organisation is constantly talking to environmental groups – such as the Brussels-based Transport & Environment pressure group. “We agree on the need to decarbonise aviation but we have a different timetable and approach [to the protestors],” he told CJI.

“While we agree to disagree on the timetable, we tell everyone what we are doing,” said Balthus. “It would be really good to look behind the one liner [slogans] and see what we are truly doing and to decarbonise aviation.”

Both EBAA and NBAA point out that today’s protests ignore business aviation’s success in cutting its carbon emissions by 40% over the past 40 years, while working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“We think sustainability is a licence to survive,” Giovanni Russo, chief operating officer of Geneva Airport told the keynote session of EBACE 2023 in the morning. “And, it’s even more applicable in aviation.” That licence was illegally revoked briefly today.

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They caused major disruptions with Geneva Airport closing the runway. Aircraft were forced to divert to Zurich and Lyon before being refuelled. Burning many extra litres of fuel. The static display was closed for a short period.

 “This is a completely unacceptable form of protest,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen and EBAA chairman Juergen Wiese in a statement. “We condemn the action, and the threat it has posed to the safety and security of exhibiting companies and EBACE attendees, and others at Geneva Airport.”

The industry is open to “constructive dialogue about the industry’s sustainability leadership”, they said. “And we regret the protestors’ unfortunate decision to disregard an opportunity for that dialogue to take place.”

In the afternoon there was a planned demonstration with between 150 and 200 protestors outside Palexpo. The demonstration included representatives from environmental pressure groups Transport & Environment, Extinction Rebellion and actif-trafiC.

Youri Bernet, an activist representing actif-trafiC told CJI protestors were there to demonstrate against the symbolism of private aviation. “How can you ask someone to reduce their emissions and fly less when there are private aircraft flying above them. Private jets are not something that should exist in this type of climate crisis.” he told CJI.

“This is the second biggest event for private aviation in the world and Geneva is one of the most important airports in Europe for private aviation. This is not acceptable in the climate crisis we face.” (Pictured: security staff and others try to prevent an activist from attaching to an aircraft undercarriage. Image courtesy of Thomas Wolf/Stay Grounded/Greenpeace).

Robert Baltus, chief operations officer, EBAA explained that his organisation is constantly talking to environmental groups – such as the Brussels-based Transport & Environment pressure group. “We agree on the need to decarbonise aviation but we have a different timetable and approach [to the protestors],” he told CJI.

“While we agree to disagree on the timetable, we tell everyone what we are doing,” said Baltus. “It would be really good to look behind the one liner [slogans] and see what we are truly doing and to decarbonise aviation.”

Both EBAA and NBAA pointed out yesterday that the protests ignore business aviation’s success in cutting its carbon emissions by 40% over the past 40 years, while working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

 “We think sustainability is a licence to survive,” Giovanni Russo, chief operating officer of Geneva Airport told the keynote session of EBACE 2023 in the morning. “And, it’s even more applicable in aviation.” That licence was illegally revoked briefly yesterday.

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You can expect at least one significant announcement from a manufacturer, at least one visit from protestors and at least one discussion about how expensive Geneva is. And a lot of talk about the cooling business aviation market.

This time last year, EBACE took place when there were real concerns about an upcoming global recession. This has not arrived. But it has not gone away either. As well as the US government debt ceiling approaching fast, many European countries are just managing to avoid technical recessions.

This economic uncertainty is hitting demand for business.

WINGX data shows that all business jet flights are down 8% so far this year compared with 2022. In North America flights are down 9% for the past four weeks. European flights were down 6% compared with the same week last year.

AMSTAT says that the proportion of aircraft for sale is rising. In May 2022, 4.31% of light jets were for sale. Now it is 6.23%. The number of midsize aircraft has also risen – 3.08% in 2022 versus 5.49% today – and large jets – 3.13% last year to 6.12%.

But this is nothing to panic about.

Flights are still above 2019 – pre-pandemic levels – and the proportion of aircraft for sale is still well under recent averages. We are just getting to a rational market. Of course it will not stay like this forever. But it is too early to be depressed.

One depressing thing that you can forecast is that the show is going to be targeted by environmental protestors. In one pre-EBACE press release an environmental group criticises the organisers for encouraging attendees to use refillable water bottles and reuse hotel towels. (If you are lucky enough to be in a hotel which provides towels.)

The protestors are asking people to bike to Palexpo on Tuesday at 1645. Of course, they may appear at other times. 

EBAA and NBAA are taking security seriously so bring ID and allow extra time for bag checks. This is especially important if you are coming to see the stars of Netflix’s Drive to Survive (and Formula One principals) Toto and Susie Wolf who open the show.

Jet Aviation and TotalEnergies are providing a 30% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for all jets flying into EBACE. In their release, the protestors complain that SAF is just 0.1% of all jet fuel (in 2022 it was actually 1% and it will be a lot more this year). They then argue that everyone should just stop flying.

You can expect an important announcement on how business aviation is committing to stopping the illegal wildlife trade by signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration.

These are all great discussion points if you end up sitting next to a protestor on your flight over. Just don’t let them see your refillable water bottle.

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“The business aviation community is committed to sustainability and carbon reduction in everything we do—from the airport to the show floor and beyond,” said Chris Strong, NBAA senior vice president for events. “Not only will the event be among the most carbon-neutral editions of the show to date, but it will also feature a two-day summit focused on lowering the industry’s overall carbon footprint. We are committed to sustainability on the ground and in the air.”

The Palexpo convention centre, which has played host to the annual event since 2001, is powered completely by renewable energy. Also its rooftop array is the second-largest solar-power generator in Switzerland. For the show, all energy usage from Palexpo will be tracked and all resulting carbon emissions will be offset through verified projects. This includes along those emissions generated by shuttle buses to and from the show site.

Nearly 80% of the waste generated at the event will be sorted on site, with almost half of it being recycled. Show officials added that during the event setup and take-down, lighting will be reduced and the building’s HVAC systems will be turned off. Whilst all food served at the event will be locally sourced and sustainably delivered.

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At its Annual General Assembly (AGM) 2023, the association said it was in a “robust financial position” which will allow it to draw down on its reserves for the budget, subject to board approval.

Part of the new budget will go towards addressing criticisms of the industry’s sustainability. The EBAA said: “The investment aims to enhance advocacy efforts, improve communication regarding the industry’s values and dispel misconceptions surrounding its environment impact. This is particularly important in light of the increased scrutiny the business aviation industry has been subject to, which requires the EBAA secretariat to continue responding firmly using different advocacy channels.”

The association also elected prominent business aviation leaders as members of its Board of Governors, including figures from Gama Aviation, Dassault and Netjets.

Following the death of Athar Husain Khan, secretary-general of EBAA, last month, the organisation paid its respects at the AGM to honour his legacy.

It added that an interim leadership council has been implemented until a new secretary-general is appointed in the coming months.

EBAA AGM elected governors – at a glance

• Maxime Bouchard, Jetfly Aviation SA
• Marwan Khalek, Gama Aviation
• Bertrand d’Yvoire, Dassault Falcon Service
• Tony Cramp, Shell Aircraft
• Pascal Lhoest, Netjets Europe
• Paul Tiba, Airlec Air Espace

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