Chief executives from Airlines for Europe (A4E), the continent’s largest airline trade association, convened in Brussels today to outline their strategic priorities for the new EU term. The agenda emphasises reinforcing airline competitiveness, airspace reform, decarbonisation, and completing the Single Aviation Market, aiming to bolster Europe’s aviation sector and enhance consumer experiences.
In an open letter, the CEOs of 17 major European airline groups, representing over 80% of European air traffic, underscored aviation’s vital role in Europe. The Single Aviation Market, established over three decades ago, has facilitated connections for millions of European citizens and businesses, contributing 4% of EU GDP and supporting 12.2 million jobs. The letter emphasises the industry’s commitment to Europe and calls for a collaborative approach between politics and the aviation sector to tackle impending challenges.
Key Priorities for the EU’s New Policymakers
Reinforce EU Airlines’ Competitiveness
The CEOs stressed that sustainability and competitiveness are interlinked. Citing the Draghi report, they highlighted the risk of business and carbon leakage, urging policymakers to address legal loopholes to prevent such outcomes.
Support the Decarbonisation of Aviation and Transition to Net Zero
The letter emphasises the need to accelerate the competitive decarbonisation of aviation. According to the Draghi Report, an estimated EUR 61 billion will need to be invested annually between 2031 and 2050 to decarbonise the sector. The CEOs called for the inclusion of aviation in the new Clean Industrial Deal to ramp up the production and reduce the cost of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), encourage investment in innovative clean tech, and support the transition to net zero.
Implement Airspace Reform
The airline groups underscored the necessity of a seamless European Sky and a single market to maintain competitiveness both within Europe and globally. They highlighted the urgent need for airspace reform, noting that one in every two flights was disrupted by airspace inefficiency and limited air traffic capacity this summer. Effective reform could save up to 10% of emissions, equivalent to 90 million tonnes of CO2 over the European Parliament’s term.
Call for Collaboration
Addressing the incoming Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, the new Members of the European Parliament, and the national governments of EU member states, the CEOs called for collaboration to “deliver a future of flying that is connected, dependable, modern, more sustainable and which remains available to all.”
Michael O’Leary, A4E Chairman, emphasised the need for decisive action in the next EU term. “Policymakers must be bold and deliver the reforms Europe is crying out for to ensure it remains a region that is competitive and innovative and most importantly, so aviation is able to deliver for Europeans in the years to come,” he said.
Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E, echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are clear on the most pressing areas for action—from airspace reform to sustainability, ensuring a level playing field and completing the single market will be essential to maintaining a competitive European airline industry. Expectations are high for decisive action over the next five years, and we are ready to work with the EU to make important progress.”
Policy Battles Ahead
The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee is actively engaged in several legislative initiatives that hold significant implications for the airline industry. Notably, the committee is working on the implementation of the Single European Sky, currently in its second reading, which aims to streamline and enhance Europe’s air traffic management. Additionally, the TRAN committee is addressing passenger rights within multimodal journeys, a dossier in its first reading, and is considering amendments to several regulations pertaining to the enforcement of passenger rights within the EU, also in its initial reading stage. These developments underscore the committee’s commitment to modernising and strengthening the regulatory framework governing European air travel.
