Every year, the team at Martyn Fiddler like to reflect on what happened that year, see if there is anything we can learn – or even learn to forget!
Healthy debate and alternate views are welcome here at Martyn Fiddler. Our newsletter and social content always get a great reaction. So, this year, for the first time, we are including opinions and reflections from people outside of Martyn Fiddler in our reflection’s series.
With this in mind, we thank Benjamin Ribouleau from Boutsen Aviation for taking the time to share his valuable perspective on the topic of ‘tax the rich’.
His insights below enrich the conversation and offer an insider’s view of Europe’s current landscape.
As someone based in France and working across the European market, I want to share a few thoughts as a small counterbalance from ‘this side of the Channel’.
Regarding taxation and the ‘punish the rich’ narrative: yes, I get where you’re coming from.
It’s frustrating when policies seem more symbolic than efficient. But in Europe, and especially in France, these measures often come from genuine public pressure. Our social model – with state-funded healthcare, education, and public services – is something people here deeply care about.
While some taxes may look politically motivated, they also reflect a collective idea of fairness, even if it sometimes hits our sector harder than we’d like.
About Europe being a ‘difficult child’: no argument, it’s a complex place to operate. But that complexity has also shaped a highly compliant, safety-driven and quality-oriented industry. And let’s be honest, EASA is now a global reference for safety. So yes, we make things a bit more bureaucratic at times, but it’s not just for the sake of it.
As for the image of business aviation, you’re spot on.
In Europe, it’s still perceived too often as a luxury toy instead of a business tool. But I don’t think this is only due to political culture. It’s also up to us, as an industry, to communicate better. To show the real value we bring: access, flexibility, connectivity, beyond just lifestyle and convenience.
If you would like to learn more about what Martyn Fiddler can offer when it comes to owning, buying, or selling high value assets, please contact hello@martynfiddler.com
