ReFuelEU at EBACE 2025: SPARFELL Adds Operational Insight to the Sustainability Conversation

22nd May 2025 - Belinda Passwell - Group Sustainability Officer

At this year’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, the business aviation community took a hard look at one of its most pressing regulatory challenges: ReFuelEU Aviation. During a panel titled “ReFuelEU Aviation: Compliance vs. Operational Reality,” representatives from across the sector gathered to discuss how the EU’s anti-tankering regulation is reshaping operations on the ground.

Martina Becher, Associate at SPARFELL, joined representatives from EBAA, ABS Jet, ETSverification and Azzera to share how business aviation is coping with the growing complexity of fuel regulations. Held on EBACE’s AIROPS stage, the session focused on the current gap between policy ambition and real-world implementation.

Highlighting Operational Realities

The ReFuelEU regulation aims to reduce emissions by limiting fuel tankering and mandating more sustainable refuelling practices. However, as Martina highlighted during the session, the shift is far from simple for operators flying smaller jets typically used in business aviation.

“It’s been a challenge to get fuel data in an extractable format,” Becher noted. “Even with conservative flight planning, these aircraft often reach maximum tank capacity, making it difficult to meet fuel uplift targets.”

Others shared similar concerns around fragmented fuel data, lack of standardised infrastructure at different airports, and limited turnaround time between flights all of which make consistent compliance more complex than expected.

SPARFELL’s Commitment to Responsible Growth

While regulations evolve, SPARFELL remains committed to sustainability and operational excellence. Participating in forums like EBACE enables the company not only to stay ahead of legislative shifts but to contribute proactively to the industry dialogue.

Behind the scenes, SPARFELL is investing in:

· Improved fuel data tracking and reporting

· Training programs to ensure team-wide compliance understanding

· Collaborative engagement with industry bodies like EBAA to advocate for practical, scalable solutions

SPARFELL’s approach to sustainability is grounded in operational reality. The company supports building regulatory frameworks that enable real progress without compromising safety, efficiency, or service. Participating in forums like EBACE helps SPARFELL stay engaged in shaping these practical pathways forward.

The Value of Open Dialogue

The discussion at EBACE 2025 made one thing clear: regulation alone won’t drive transformation. Collaboration will. By engaging openly with authorities, peers, and the wider business aviation community, operators like SPARFELL are helping shape a regulatory environment that works in practice, not just on paper.

As business aviation continues its sustainability journey, SPARFELL is proud to play an active role in shaping how our industry bridges policy with practicality, building a more sustainable future for aviation.

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