During a high-level regional forum hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) late last week, the General Directorate of State Airports Authority of the Republic of Turkey (DHMI) proclaimed that “business aviation plays a crucial role in facilitating regional investment and subsequently has a direct economic impact on Turkey’s economy.” The DHMI also co-signed a declaration with EBAA that commits to working together on long-term actions that would help ensure the steady growth of business aviation in the country, including improved business aircraft access to infrastructure and ensuring that legal framework and policies have a positive effect on air transport activities.

“Understanding the distinct nature of business aviation as a tool for efficient, productive and secure business travel to and from the nearest airport to the passengers’ destination is absolutely essential,” said EBAA CEO Fabio Gamba. “Catering for this distinction will enable Turkey to reap the benefits of a thriving sector and the subsequent rewards its activity will deliver to the economy.”

With a population of 75 million and GDP growth averaging 4 percent annually over the last decade, Turkey is now a strategic base for international business. As such, the country is an important commercial hub connecting Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and EBAA stressed that business aviation is also vital to maintaining this link.