Business aviation gets a rough ride in most of the world for no good reason. Changing that situation should be the principal aim of all the business aviation associations around the world, otherwise the benefits its member operators can bring economies everywhere will be pointlessly stifled.
In business aviation's original home, the USA, the National Business Aviation Association has fought for years to win national recognition of its contribution to trade. Since it was set up in 2001 the European Business Aviation Association has also massively advanced the cause of the sector by educating regulators, politicians and industry about the considerable boost it gives the economy.
With a few exceptions like Canada, business aviation in the rest of the world is, relatively, still living in the dark ages, mainly kept there by ignorance among regulators, national security agencies, customs and immigration agencies, and politicians of all shades.
At the NBAA Convention in Atlanta last week business aviation associations from Japan, Russia, the Middle East and Asia reported on their struggle to educate their countries or regions about the effects of pointless bureaucracy, inadequate infrastructure, disproportionate charges and prejudice. There is a long way to go, but all the new regional associations must work tirelessly to smash these shackles on healthy trade.
Source: Flight International
