Private jet security: Open season for protestors
If you’re reading this in North Dakota and at a loose end this weekend, it’s worth remembering the bow hunting season for white-tailed deer opens today. (Firearms enthusiasts will have to wait a little longer until November 11th). But it’s not just the deer that are finding themselves under fire.
Protests against private jets, airports and trade shows, such as EBACE 2023, seem to be growing apace – mainly (but not exclusively) in Europe. It’s been matched in Europe by an apparent growing frustration at the industry’s vulnerability to such action.
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) told CJI last month of its “increasing concern” about the implications of destructive and disruptive airport protests for the broader aviation industry. “The EBAA calls upon the individual members states to actively prosecute those individuals who knowingly breach and enter secured airport spaces,” a spokesman told us. “We acknowledge and respect the public’s right to protest, but activism should not compromise the safety of passengers, crew, and airport personnel.”
Social media posts about the topic on LinkedIn by EBAA, Globe Air and CJI drew hundreds of responses. Here’s a flavour: “It’s ludicrous that an industry body has to remind law makers/enforcers that individuals who commit criminal acts need to be effectively punished,” wrote Tim Barber, Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions EMEA & Asia, Duncan Aviation. “A criminal act is a criminal act regardless of the cause.”
Frans Dechaene, director of Operations at European charter operator FlyingGroup noted: “When a pilot wants to access his/her aircraft he/she has almost to undress at ‘security’. Whereas the same airports allow gangs of eco terrorists to swarm across the runway and close down an entire airport, at the same time damaging precious aircraft. Where is this madness heading to?”
GlobeAir’s LinkedIn post on our story about airport security proved particularly popular, drawing more than 100 responses. “GlobeAir is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers, crew, and airport personnel. Recent developments have highlighted the increasing concern about disruptive airport protests affecting the broader aviation industry,” it posted on LinkedIn last month. “While we respect the public’s right to protest, activism must not compromise the safety and functionality of airports.”
It’s activism that is leading to more protection for principals, planes and the airports that serve them, according to MedAire, the security, medical and travel consultancy. “We have observed an increase in both the frequency and intensity of protests targeting the business aviation sector,” Jeremy Knochel, global security manager, Aviation & Maritime, MedAire told us. “Activists have caused significant damage to private aircraft, resulting in substantial financial losses.”
GlobeAir’s LinkedIn post on our story about airport security proved particularly popular, drawing more than 100 responses. “GlobeAir is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers, crew, and airport personnel. Recent developments have highlighted the increasing concern about disruptive airport protests affecting the broader aviation industry,” it posted on LinkedIn last month. “While we respect the public’s right to protest, activism must not compromise the safety and functionality of airports.”
It’s activism that is leading to more protection for principals, planes and the airports that serve them, according to MedAire, the security, medical and travel consultancy. “We have observed an increase in both the frequency and intensity of protests targeting the business aviation sector,” Jeremy Knochel, global security manager, Aviation & Maritime, MedAire told us. “Activists have caused significant damage to private aircraft, resulting in substantial financial losses.”
There’s a growing list of airports targeted by protests – and not all of them are in Europe. In February this year, a coalition of protestors targeted London Luton Airport, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and Bromma Airport in Stockholm. It followed protests against private jets in Brussels, Seville and Los Angeles. High profile attacks have also taken place in northern Germany, at EBACE 2023 in Geneva and in July, on an Embraer Phenom 300E on the Mediterranean holiday island of Ibiza.
These were not isolated incidents but evidence of a rising tide of protest, according to MediAire. “We anticipate that these protests may escalate in frequency, disruption and damage to the aviation community,” said Knochel.
It’s not just a case of beefing up security at airports that cater for private jets – although that can be a key step. “In Europe and North America, most small airports have robust security measures in place but there can be gaps due to the less stringent regulations compared with commercial airports,” said Knochel.
Another part of the remedy is more comprehensive risk assessment and enhanced protection for principals, planes and airports. “It’s crucial to proactively gather information about potential protest activity in the area that could disrupt operations. This includes creating contingency plans for potential disruptions and conducting pre-travel briefings to ensure all crew members and guests understand the appropriate responses to protestors,” he said.
The British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) has suggested nine general strategies that airports and authorities might employ to deter disruptive airport protests. The top four are: designated protest areas, clear communications, engage with protestors and increased airport security.
Could the rising tide of protests against private jets, their owners and operators plus the airports from which they fly drive a hike in insurance premiums? While there’s no evidence of that, industry insiders don’t discount the possibility.
Todd Guelich, senior vice president at insurance firm AssuredPartners Aerospace reports no underwriter concerns related to the airport incursions by the protesters yet. However, that could change. “I would not expect to see any defined reaction to sporadic activity,” he tells CJI. “But should there be a trend related to defined airports where losses can be tracked frequently, there could be some form of deductibles or location surcharges considered.”
Admittedly, most people in business aviation are more concerned about white tails with wings rather than their ungulate namesakes. But from today, the white-tails in North Dakota (and some other states) can expect to endure the fire of hunters until at least January 1st 2024, when the season closes. It looks like the private jet industry – on both sides of the Atlantic – will have to endure attacks from environmental protestors for much longer than that.
Above: White-tailed deer are now in the firing line in North Dakota.
Top: So, too are private jets. This was pictured at EBACE 2023.
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