The aviation industry is highly regulated to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members. Two of the most prominent regulatory bodies are the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

For the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), EASA stands for the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. It is the FAA's primary European counterpart and the regulatory body responsible for civil aviation safety across the European Union. In the context of the FAA, EASA is a critical partner in Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements (BASA), which allow for the mutual acceptance of aircraft certifications, maintenance standards, and pilot licensing. In 2026, the collaboration between the FAA and EASA is vital for the global aviation industry, ensuring that a Boeing aircraft certified in the U.S. can be easily approved for operation in Europe, and vice versa for Airbus models. EASA's role includes drafting safety legislation, inspecting member states, and conducting type certifications for aeronautical products. While the FAA governs U.S. airspace, EASA provides a unified regulatory framework for over 30 European countries, simplifying what would otherwise be a complex web of individual national aviation authorities.