Editor Welcome.qxp_JMesingerNov06 20/04/2021 12:56 Page 1
Guest Editor’s VIEWPOINT
Athar Husain Khan
Our Future is in the S.T.A.R.S. an’t stop. Won’t stop. That could easily be the rallying cry of Business Aviation these days. Even as our industry continues to battle the immediate challenges brought on by the pandemic, we keep our eyes resolutely on the bigger picture, which is to ensure a sustainable future… a prosperous future that well serves people and our planet, alike. Case in point – over the past seven months, guided by EBAA and supported by the International Business Aviation Council, more than 20 industry executives, representing companies from across the sector, have been defining a set of standards and implementation guidelines that will help Business Aviation companies establish and meet ambitious environmental and social objectives. This program, Standards & Training for Aviation Responsibility and Sustainability (S.T.A.R.S.), was conceived by a group of young Business Aviation professionals in response to their experience as EBAA ambassadors to One Young World, a global leadership forum that identifies, promotes and connects the world’s most impactful young leaders to create a better world. As such, S.T.A.R.S. epitomizes several of EBAA’s highest priorities – engaging with, and helping to retain, the next generation of industry leaders; inspiring continuous learning and workforce training; and reinforcing an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Those young ambassadors are today leading two EBAA Working Groups to develop three tiers of social and environmental standards to be integrated into IS-BAO and IS-BAH. The standards will also be made available as standalone for non-operating/non-handling companies. And because all types of businesses need such guidance, the resources under development will be adaptable, enabling even the smallest of business
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aircraft operators and service providers to receive accreditation. Yes, S.T.A.R.S. is an opportunity for everyone.
Incredible Progress…
With Tier One now drafted and the Tier Two standards underway, the S.T.A.R.S. project is transitioning to the next phase – testing. Starting this summer, six companies of varying sizes and services will pilot the newly drafted standards to assess both coherence and feasibility. In January 2022, upon completion of the pilots and upon validation of all three tiers, the full S.T.A.R.S. program will be made available to all Europe-based Business Aviation companies, kicking off with a high-profile launch at EBACE 2022. The program will then roll out progressively by region, internationally. This past year has been an extraordinary demonstration of the fortitude and determination of Business Aviation. As Secretary-General of EBAA, these past twelve months I’ve been able to collaborate with industry colleagues in living rooms, kitchens and hangars across Europe, not to simply return to normal but to push beyond and define our next normal. Looking at all of our Working Groups, from Advocacy to Safety, there are many committed individuals across the industry working together voluntarily to define a brighter tomorrow. They’re fighting not only to ensure their businesses prosper, but fighting together to ensure that all of Business Aviation thrives. To learn more about S.T.A.R.S., visit: https://expandinghorizons.com/pioneering/whybecome-a-s-t-a-r-s-ambassador-5-reasons-why-thefuture-of-business-aviation-must-be-sustainable/ And if you are interested in your company being part of the pilot, please contact EBAA’s S.T.A.R.S. Project Lead, Taunya Renson-Martin at stratcomm@ebaa.org. ❙
Athar Husain Khan is Secretary-General for the EBAA. He has spent the last 25 years as a leader, aero-political negotiator, lawyer, advocacy specialist and CEO in various aviation organizations and companies, both in the public and private arena. Using his experience in the international aero-political world and proven track record in association management, Athar continues to strengthen and advocate for the European Business Aviation industry in the Brussels arena. More information from www.ebaa.org
4 Vol 25 Issue 5 2021 AVBUYER MAGAZINE
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