EBAA launches Covid-19 resource centre

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has launched a new online resource centre, which is designed to keep operators and flight departments updated on the latest travel restrictions. It also aims to give the latest operational guidance on how to cope with Covid-19.

Earlier this week, the European Commission (EC) issued guidelines to the Member States belonging to the Schengen area – group of countries with no travel restrictions within its borders – to restrict non-essential travel to the EU.

This is a temporary restriction meant to limit travel into the EU, but it does not extend to EU state citizens and long-term residents wishing to fly between member states.

Eymeric Segard, CEO, LunaJets, told Corporate Jet Investor this was a positive, as it will continue to bring business for charter brokers – like LunaJets – and charter operators in the region.

The EBAA also published guidelines for American citizens wishing to fly back from any one of US President Trump’s list of restricted countries. This week, the UK and Ireland joined the Schengen Area, China and Iran to form this list.

American citizens flying from any of the above must land at airports where enhanced public heath services and protocols have been implemented.

Licenses and Airworthiness Certificates Validity

During this period of restricted travel, EBAA members and the rest of the aviation industry need to maintain or extend the validity of licenses and airworthiness review certificates.

The European Safety Aviation Agency (EASA) has issued a first version of an exemption template to competent authorities to support the EU Member States in a collective adoption of exemption measures.

The template proposes to extend the validity period of ratings, certificates and medical reports – as applicable for flight crews, cabin crews, instructors and examiners, maintenance staff, air traffic controllers, and aeromedical examiners.

EASA is currently working on a revised version of this extension template to include crew not operating for a Part-ORO operator, as well as an extension template for airworthiness review certificates.

EBAA encourages its members to contact their respective Competent Authority to receive an update on the local implementation and procedures following the recommendation sent out by EASA to all Member States.

Click here to access the EBAA’s resource centre.