Business Aviation

US Secures Fair Trade Agreements With South Korea and Switzerland

The US renews zero-tariff trade agreements with South Korea and Switzerland, boosting aerospace trade and supporting millions of jobs.

Published

8 months ago

19 November 2025

AirPro News Team

Aviation Trade Gets a Lift: U.S. Secures Fair-Trade Agreements with South Korea and Switzerland

In a significant move for the U.S. aerospace industry, recent trade developments with the Republic of Korea and Switzerland are pointing toward a more balanced and equitable global market. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has publicly commended the Trump Administration for securing an agreement with South Korea and signaling a similar path forward with Switzerland. These actions represent a crucial return to a “zero-for-zero” tariff policy, a framework that has historically bolstered the American aviation sector and solidified its position as a global leader.

The principle of zero-for-zero tariffs, where countries mutually agree to eliminate import duties on specific goods, is not a new concept in aviation. It is the cornerstone of the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, a landmark pact involving over 30 nations. This agreement was designed to foster a competitive and fair international marketplace for civil Commercial-Aircraft and their components. The recent steps taken with South Korea and Switzerland reaffirm the value of this long-standing accord, promising to unlock economic benefits and support the vast network of jobs connected to the aerospace industry in the United States.

As the global economy continues to navigate complex trade dynamics, these agreements serve as a stabilizing force. They underscore a commitment to reciprocal trade relationships that benefit all parties involved. For the U.S. business aviation community, this progress is not just about numbers on a balance sheet; it’s about ensuring a predictable and fair environment that encourages innovation, investment, and sustained growth for years to come.

The Foundation of Fair Trade: The 1979 Agreement

To fully grasp the importance of the recent announcements, we must look back to the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft. This pivotal international accord created a framework that has allowed the civil aviation sectors of its signatory countries to flourish. By eliminating tariffs on aircraft and parts, the agreement leveled the playing field, allowing Manufacturers and suppliers to compete based on the merit of their products rather than being hindered by protectionist trade barriers. Both the Republic of Korea and Switzerland are signatories to this foundational pact, making the return to its principles a logical and welcome development.

The economic impact of this agreement on the United States has been substantial. According to the NBAA, the zero-for-zero tariff structure was a significant contributor to a massive $104 billion trade surplus for the U.S. aerospace sector. This figure is not just impressive; it highlights the industry’s role as a powerful engine for the nation’s economy, surpassing all other industries in strengthening the U.S. trade balance. The ripple effects of this surplus are felt across the country, supporting a robust Supply-Chain and fostering technological advancement.

Beyond the trade balance, the human element is equally compelling. The aerospace industry, buoyed by fair trade policies, has been instrumental in creating and sustaining millions of American jobs. The NBAA notes that the sector supports an estimated 9.4 million jobs within the United States. These are not just assembly line positions; they encompass a wide range of high-skilled roles in engineering, research and development, maintenance, and logistics. The stability provided by agreements like the one from 1979 is crucial for the long-term health of this vital workforce.

“NBAA welcomes the return to zero tariffs for aircraft and parts, which will have a significant positive impact on U.S. leadership in global aerospace safety and innovation.” – Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the NBAA

New Agreements, Renewed Momentum

The recent actions by the administration build upon this historical foundation. On November 14, 2025, the NBAA officially applauded a new trade agreement with the Republic of Korea that solidifies the return to zero-for-zero tariffs. A separate, parallel announcement regarding trade with Switzerland indicates a clear intention to follow the same framework. While the specific implementation dates for these deals have not yet been made public, the direction is clear and has been met with optimism by industry leaders.

These developments are part of a broader Strategy to establish what the administration calls “fair and balanced” trade relationships. This approach is consistent with a similar framework announced with the European Union in August 2025, which also centered on the elimination of tariffs for aircraft and parts. The NBAA has been a consistent advocate for this policy, urging the administration to pursue zero-for-zero tariff agreements in all bilateral trade negotiations with the signatories of the 1979 pact.

The sentiment from the White House echoes this focus on mutual benefit. A joint statement concerning the Swiss agreement highlighted the goal of negotiating an “Agreement on Fair, Balanced, and Reciprocal Trade.” The stated objective is to create high-paying jobs and stimulate economic growth, reinforcing the idea that fair trade is a powerful catalyst for domestic prosperity. As these agreements move toward implementation, they are expected to provide a significant boost to the U.S. aviation industry’s ability to compete and lead on the world stage.

Concluding Section

In summary, the recent trade agreements with the Republic of Korea and Switzerland mark a pivotal moment for the U.S. aerospace industry. By recommitting to the zero-for-zero tariff principles of the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, the U.S. is reinforcing a trade policy that has historically delivered a substantial economic surplus and supported millions of domestic jobs. These moves are celebrated by industry advocates like the NBAA not only for their immediate economic benefits but also for the stability and predictability they bring to the global market.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of these agreements could serve as a blueprint for future bilateral trade negotiations. The continued pursuit of fair and reciprocal trade relationships will be essential for maintaining U.S. leadership in aerospace innovation and safety. As the industry continues to evolve with new technologies and Sustainability goals, a foundation of fair trade will be more critical than ever to foster an environment where American companies can thrive and continue to be a major contributor to the national economy.

FAQ

Question: What is a “zero-for-zero” tariff agreement?
Answer: It is a reciprocal trade agreement where signatory countries agree to eliminate all import tariffs on a specific category of goods, in this case, civil aircraft and their parts.

Question: What is the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft?
Answer: It is an international accord signed by over 30 countries, including the U.S., Republic of Korea, and Switzerland, that established the framework for zero-for-zero tariffs to promote fair trade in the global civil aviation market.

Question: How does this impact the U.S. economy?
Answer: According to the NBAA, this trade policy has historically contributed to a $104 billion U.S. trade surplus in the aerospace sector and supports approximately 9.4 million jobs in the United States.

Sources

NBAA

Photo Credit: AI Generated

Business Aviation

Gulfstream G500 and G600 Fleet Reaches 400th Delivery

Gulfstream delivers its 400th combined G500 and G600 aircraft to an Asia-Pacific customer, marking 519,000+ fleet flight hours.

Published

4 hours ago

22 July 2026

AirPro News Team

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has handed over the 400th aircraft from its combined G500 and G600 fleet to a customer in the Asia-Pacific region, a milestone that highlights ongoing global demand for the manufacturer’s large-cabin business jets. The aircraft was outfitted at Gulfstream’s facility in St. Louis, Missouri, prior to delivery.

In a press release issued on July 20, 2026, the Savannah, Georgia-based company confirmed the delivery and detailed the operational maturity of the two aircraft types. The milestone arrives 20 months after Gulfstream announced the 300th delivery of the G500 and G600 in November 2024.

Operational maturity and speed records

Since entering service, the combined G500 and G600 fleet has accumulated more than 519,000 flight hours and surpassed 200,000 total landings. The aircraft feature the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck and the Gulfstream Cabin Experience, which the company credits with driving continued customer interest.

The G500 and G600 program has established a significant track record for speed, achieving over 190 city-pair speed records. Gulfstream aircraft hold 815 city-pair speed records overall. Both the G500 and G600 have a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925.

The manufacturer highlighted a recent record-setting flight by a G600 to illustrate the fleet’s capabilities. The aircraft flew from Sapporo, Japan, to Savannah, Georgia, covering a distance of 5,835 nautical miles (10,806 kilometers). The flight was completed in 11 hours and 38 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.88.

“Reaching 400 deliveries is a testament to the confidence customers around the world continue to place in Gulfstream and in the G500 and G600,” said Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. “Together, these aircraft have fueled sustained demand for our next-generation fleet and play a pivotal role in Gulfstream’s vision to offer an aircraft for every mission.”

Regulatory approvals expand operational scope

The 400th delivery follows a series of regulatory developments for the G500 and G600 earlier in 2026. On January 12, 202
Photo Credit: Gulfstream

Business Aviation

Pilatus PC-24 Adds Gogo Galileo LEO Broadband Connectivity

Pilatus Aircraft offers Gogo Galileo LEO internet on the PC-24 with FAA and EASA certification for new builds and retrofits.

Published

3 weeks ago

2 July 2026

AirPro News Team

Pilatus Aircraft has introduced Gogo Galileo high-speed internet as a factory-installed option for the Pilatus PC-24, bringing low-latency broadband connectivity to the light jet platform.

In a press release issued on July 1, 2026, the manufacturers confirmed the integration utilizes the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network to provide global coverage capable of supporting video conferencing, media streaming, and cloud-based services. The system has received certification from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), making it available for new production aircraft as well as retrofits for the in-service fleet.

Lufthansa Technik entertainment integration and cabin upgrades

Alongside the connectivity upgrade, Pilatus detailed a new integrated cabin management and entertainment system developed in partnership with Lufthansa Technik. The system features a 10-inch touchscreen display that allows passengers to control cabin functions and access media directly from their seats.

The audio experience has also been upgraded as part of the new package. The configuration includes four cabin loudspeakers paired with a subwoofer. To maximize cabin comfort and flexibility, Pilatus introduced a side-facing divan option measuring nearly 2 meters in length, expanding the seating and resting configurations available to PC-24 operators.

Expanding LEO connectivity across the Pilatus fleet

The PC-24 announcement follows recent connectivity advancements for the manufacturer’s turboprop line. On June 16, 2026, SD Government and Pro Star Aviation secured an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of the Gogo Galileo HDX system on the Pilatus PC-12.

This earlier approval marked the first LEO satellite connectivity option for the single-engine PC-12. The sequential rollout indicates a broader push to equip the Pilatus product line with modern, high-speed satellite internet capabilities regardless of aircraft class.

AirPro News analysis

We view the integration of LEO satellite networks like Eutelsat OneWeb into light jets and turboprops as a critical shift in business aviation expectations. Historically, high-speed, low-latency internet was restricted to midsize and large-cabin business jets due to the size, weight, and power requirements of traditional geostationary satellite antennas. The smaller form factor of Gogo Galileo hardware allows manufacturers like Pilatus to offer heavy-jet connectivity standards on platforms like the PC-24 and PC-12 without compromising payload or aerodynamic efficiency. As LEO networks mature, factory-installed broadband is rapidly transitioning from a premium upgrade to a baseline requirement for new business aircraft.

Sources: Pilatus Aircraft

Photo Credit: Pilatus Aircraft

Business Aviation

Hybrid-Electric Propulsion for Long-Range Business Jets

NBAA-highlighted research shows hybrid-electric systems could cut emissions on large-cabin bizjets, with certification gaps remaining.

Published

3 weeks ago

1 July 2026

AirPro News Team

This article summarizes reporting by the National Business Aviation Association.

A peer-reviewed study highlighted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) in its July/August 2026 publication indicates that parallel hybrid-electric propulsion systems could deliver substantial emissions reductions for large-cabin business jets in the near term. The research challenges the prevailing industry assumption that Electric-Aviation technologies are strictly limited to short-range or light aircraft applications.

Authored by Piper Aircraft structural design engineer Ambar Sarup, the paper explores the engineering hurdles of integrating hybrid-electric propulsion (HEP) into long-range platforms. Sarup began the research at the University of Illinois in 2022 by modeling HEP applications for a Gulfstream GV, later expanding the scope to provide a generic framework for the business aviation sector.

Bridging the energy density gap

The primary technical barrier to electrified long-range flight remains the stark difference in energy density between traditional aviation fuel and current battery technology. According to Dr. Jeff Belt, an aircraft battery consultant with Electrochem Technologies LLC, Jet A fuel provides approximately 12,000 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). The most advanced battery cells currently available offer between 300 and 400 Wh/kg.

Belt noted that battery technology alone cannot currently impact long-distance flight. While Bloomberg data cited by Belt projects a 3 percent to 5 percent annual increase in battery specific energy, the performance gap necessitates a hybrid approach.

Sarup advocates for a parallel system where a conventional turbofan engine and electric motors assist one another. Because the turbofan handles the majority of the thrust requirements, the necessary electric components remain relatively small. The research models a 3,400-nautical-mile flight, such as a route from New York to London. If just 5 percent of the propulsion energy comes from a hybrid-electric system, the aircraft would save 1,900 pounds of fuel and eliminate 6,000 pounds of carbon emissions.

Ground operations and emerging market entrants

Beyond in-flight propulsion assistance, alternative operational concepts offer immediate efficiency gains. Belt proposed utilizing battery power exclusively for ground operations and taxiing. The aircraft would then recharge the batteries during flight and use electric power again after landing. This method requires only small electric motors and batteries that weigh slightly more than the fuel they replace.

The broader industry is already advancing similar concepts. France-based Beyond Aero completed a preliminary design review for a Hydrogen-electric business jet targeting an 800-nautical-mile range with a capacity of six to eight passengers. Concurrently, Boeing-backed startup Evio is developing a regional airliner that utilizes a hybrid-electric propulsion system from Pratt & Whitney Canada.

Navigating Certification frameworks

Hardware development is only part of the challenge. Both Sarup and Belt emphasized the critical need for established certification pathways from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The FAA issued harmonization document AC-21.17-4, which clarifies the regulatory status of electric aircraft components. While Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) exist for various electrical parts, the agency has not established a TSO specifically for propulsion batteries. Consequently, Manufacturers must certify these batteries as an integrated part of the aircraft rather than as standalone components.

Despite these regulatory and technical hurdles, Sarup remains optimistic about the scalability of the technology.

“I think the biggest misconception is that hybrid-electric propulsion is limited to smaller, shorter-range aircraft. That’s not true. We can get the range. We can get the speed. And we can get the performance to meet the needs of tomorrow’s long-range business aircraft,” Sarup stated.

AirPro News analysis

We view the transition toward parallel hybrid-electric systems as the most pragmatic stepping stone for business aviation sustainability. While fully electric long-haul flight remains constrained by the physics of battery energy density, utilizing electric motors to supplement turbofans during peak thrust demands or ground operations offers a realistic path to lower emissions. The lack of a dedicated FAA TSO for propulsion batteries will likely force original equipment manufacturers into complex, aircraft-level certification programs. This regulatory reality may dictate the pace of hybrid-electric adoption more than the underlying technology itself.

Sources: National Business Aviation Association

Photo Credit: Pratt & Whitney