Stay informed with the latest regulatory updates shaping the business aviation landscape. This month, Universal’s BIZAVGuy highlights critical developments across Europe, the UK, and globally. Here’s the essential rundown:
Europe: EU-LISA EES and UK ETA Updates
- The EU-LISA Entry/Exit System (EES) Phase 1 missed its November launch date.
- The European Commission is working on a Progressive Rollout over the next six months.
- Next Working Group meeting: Friday, January 10th, 2025.
- The UK ETA program went live on January 8th, 2025, for U.S. citizens, the Americas, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia.
- Israel has also implemented new ETA requirements for Visa-Exempt travelers as of January 1st, 2025.
Sustainability: Reporting and Monitoring Updates
- The 2024 UK ETS, EU ETS, and CORSIA Reporting Periods are now open.
- UK ETS: Reports due March 31st, offsets by April 30th.
- EU ETS: Reports due March 31st, offsets by September 30th.
- 2025 Monitoring Period has started with new requirements for:
- Tracking Non-CO2 Gases.
- SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) utilization.
- Updated Monitoring Plans are now mandatory.
Operational Aviation Taxes
- Sweden will officially end its aviation tax in June 2025.
- Denmark’s Passenger Tax is now live as of January 1st, 2025.
- France DGAC is issuing penalty notices for indirect taxes—validate these notices to avoid incorrect payments.
- Discussions around UK Air Passenger Duty rate increases targeting Business Aviation in 2026 are ongoing, with industry groups pushing back.
Saudi Arabia: Private Operator Annual Permits
- Saudi Arabia Civil Aviation now offers Annual Blanket Permits for private operators.
- This change simplifies trip planning and boosts flexibility for missions to the Kingdom.
Upcoming Events
- NBAA IOC Conference, San Juan:
- I’ll be presenting on the U.S. Customs Panel next month.
- Stop by and say hi if you’re attending!