EBACE Includes Safety in Regulatory Discussions

EBACE Highlights Safety and Regulatory Collaboration in Business Aviation

Safety Takes Center Stage at EBACE

Geneva—This year’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) has placed safety and regulatory compliance at the forefront of its agenda, underscoring a growing commitment among business aviation stakeholders and European regulators to work collaboratively. Industry leaders emphasize that this renewed focus is not only improving operational standards but also influencing how the sector navigates increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Maxime Wauters, senior manager for safety and regulatory affairs at the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), explained that the integration of EBACE with the association’s AirOps event was a deliberate move to reinforce the message that safety is fundamental to all facets of business aviation operations. “Safety promotion is the essential key that oils the engine,” Wauters remarked, highlighting the central role of safety in sustaining the industry’s momentum.

Yngvi Rafn Yngvason, a safety analyst at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), attending EBACE for the first time, described safety promotion as a “behavioral modification process.” He stressed that engaging industry professionals in open dialogue fosters safety-conscious practices aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s global standards. “Connecting with people here helps us collaborate on issues that are so needed on a global level,” Yngvason noted.

Regulatory Dialogue and Industry Leadership

As discussions on safety deepen, regulatory considerations naturally follow. Wauters observed that safety conversations inevitably involve the practical application of regulations to daily operations, emphasizing the importance of a shared understanding among personnel. “It drills down to your people, so we need to make sure we speak the same language,” he said.

The industry credits a notable shift in EASA’s approach to safety promotion in recent years, particularly under the leadership of John Franklin, head of safety promotion. Colin Russell, European safety and compliance director at Flexjet Operations, who participated in a safety panel alongside Wauters, Yngvason, and Tony Cramp of Shell Aviation, praised Franklin’s energetic and passionate advocacy. Russell underscored the significance of authentic leadership and engagement, stating, “If you care about the topic or the people you’re engaging with, it shines through.”

This collaborative ethos is especially vital for smaller operators, who often face greater challenges due to limited resources. Tony Cramp highlighted the disproportionate impact accidents can have on these operators and the wider industry. He emphasized that fostering connections and sharing best practices through organizations like EBAA and national business aviation associations is essential to elevating safety standards. “Having EBAA and national business aviation associations working together, focused on the right staff and the right data, is crucial,” Cramp said.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

EBACE’s intensified focus on safety coincides with heightened regulatory attention, yet the market response has been largely positive. Observers suggest that competitive pressures will likely drive operators to enhance their own safety and compliance measures, thereby raising the overall standard within the sector.

Through its integrated approach, EBACE reinforces a broader industry commitment to embedding safety and effective regulation into everyday operations. This collaborative framework aims to ensure that operators of all sizes benefit from shared knowledge and collective efforts to advance safety across the business aviation community.