Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The European Union General Court today overruled a 2023 ruling by the European Commission (EC) excluding the manufacturing of business aircraft from the European Union’s green taxonomy process. Lawyers for Dassault Aviation, which in 2024 filed a case against the ruling supported by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), successfully argued that the ruling unfairly excluded the industry from economic activities in support of environmental sustainability.
In a statement issued by Dassault, the manufacturer of Falcon jets said that the court in Luxembourg confirmed the EC’s ruling had “blatantly failed to consider the specific characteristics and its role in certain missions.” Its legal team argued that in Section 3.21 of the Climate Delegated Act, European officials had ignored the social and economic value of business aviation, as well as “insufficiently taking account” of the decarbonizing impact of increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The EC has two months in which it could appeal the General Court’s ruling [case reference T-77/24] through the European Court of Justice. Oral hearings for the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-02-01/european-court-hear-challenge-environmental-ruling">case started in February</a> in a case that was also backed by another French aircraft maker, Daher, which—along with EBAA—was an “intervener” in the proceedings.
According to EBAA, business aviation’s exclusion from the EU green taxonomy has resulted in the industry being excluded from some sources of financing on the grounds that it did not meet sustainability criteria required by some investors. A spokesperson for the industry group told AIN that the June 24 ruling is “an important recognition that business aviation cannot simply be excluded from sustainable finance on the basis of a blanket assumption.”
EBAA has consistently argued that the criteria for the EU taxonomy should be objective, technology-neutral, and proportionate, while also recognizing the decarbonization efforts being made by business aviation. The group has previously said that the exclusion had resulted in higher costs for its member companies.
<h2>Manufacturing Distinct from Operations</h2>
The court specifically ruled that the EC had not adequately established that other&nbsp;modes of transport necessarily constitute credible&nbsp;low-carbon alternatives to private flights. The judges noted that the carbon footprint of aircraft manufacturing should be treated as distinct from emissions resulting from operations.
EBAA said it supported the case to defend its members from a discriminatory decision. In a statement, the organization said the General Court’s ruling “corrects the course of the legislation and recognizes that business aviation cannot be singled out on the basis of assumptions that are not sufficiently supported.”
The group said the case would result in a fair and objective approach to sustainable finance rules. “More broadly, the judgment underlines that sustainable finance rules must remain evidence-based, proportionate and aligned with the actual characteristics of the activity being regulated,” it concluded.
According to EBAA, the judgment sets a significant legal precedent with “an important signal that EU legislation must be based on facts, must respect equal treatment, and must properly reflect the contribution that business aviation makes to European connectivity, innovation, and industrial competitiveness.”
EBAA highlighted the industry’s role as an innovator in aviation, “including through the development of more efficient aircraft, advanced materials, aerodynamic improvements, and lower-emission propulsion pathways.” It pointed out that business aircraft operators are also contributing to the uptake of SAF in response to European legislation such as the ReFuelEU requirements.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

EU Court Overturns Business Aviation’s Exclusion from Sustainability Criteria

European General Court says business aviation should be part of “green taxonomy”

A case led by Dassault Aviation has overturned the European Commission’s exclusion of business aviation from its taxonomy requirements for sustainable activity.

EU Court Overturns Bizav’s Sustainability Criteria Exclusion

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Facility uses renewable electricity to produce sustainable fuel from air

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant Opens in Washington State

Global sustainable aviation fuel production is still less than 1% of jet fuel use

IATA: SAF Production Volumes Still Disappointing

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Open letter to European Commission calls for more support and tax reform

Electric Aviation Innovators Call for Bizjet Taxes

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

ACT-LTAG to guide state action plans

ICAO Launches Program To Speed Aviation Decarbonization

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

More In Sustainability and Environment

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant Opens in Washington State

Facility uses renewable electricity to produce sustainable fuel from air

IATA: SAF Production Volumes Still Disappointing

Global sustainable aviation fuel production is still less than 1% of jet fuel use

Electric Aviation Innovators Call for Bizjet Taxes

Open letter to European Commission calls for more support and tax reform

ICAO Launches Program To Speed Aviation Decarbonization

ACT-LTAG to guide state action plans

NATA To Partner on FBO Sustainability Awards at AIN Gala

Awards will honor both chains and single locations

Fuel Crisis Raises the Stakes in Chase for Alternatives

Companies working with SAF and hydrogen propulsion see tipping point opportunity

Bombardier Meets Five-year Sustainability Targets

Company maps out next five-year plan through 2030

Swiss OEM Pilatus Studies Composite Scrap Recycling

Novel approach could transform prepreg scraps into new aircraft components

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN