Airlines for Europe CEOs set out demands for new EU term

The CEOs of Airlines for Europe (A4E), the trade body for European airlines, gathered in Brussels today for a boozy meeting to set out their priorities for the new EU term which has resulted in them urging policymakers to focus on reinforcing the competitiveness of airlines, airspace reform, supporting the decarbonisation of aviation and completing Europe’s Single Aviation Market. 

A4E, which is financed by the airlines, contests that achieving their priorities will strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s airline sector, ensure it remains a globally competitive force which connects Europeans across Europe and with the rest of the world. 

The priorities map out the most pressing challenges facing the sector today, including: 

Reinforcing the competitiveness of Europe’s airlines

The urgent need to reform Europe’s outdated and fragmented airspace to ensure it is fit for today and the future, saving up to 10% of emissions, the equivalent of 90 million tonnes of CO2 over the term of the European Parliament (according to easyJet research)

The support of the decarbonisation of aviation, ensuring that the annual investment needs of EUR 61 billion set out in the Draghi Report will be unlocked between 2030-2050.

The inclusion of aviation in the new Clean Industrial Deal, to ramp up the production and bring down the cost of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). Bringing down the price gap between SAFs and conventional jet fuel will be essential to ensure that the sector meets its ambitious climate goals while remaining globally competitive

Completing the single market, giving legal clarity to passengers and airlines and ensuring effective and objective oversight of all stakeholders from airports to ANSPs and intermediaries.

Underlining their commitment to work with the incoming European Commission, newly elected MEPs, and Member States, the CEOs of Europe’s airlines have published an open letter, outlining these priorities and calling on policymakers to “work with us to deliver a future of flying that is connected, dependable, modern, sustainable and which remains available to all.” 

Ryanair's boss, Michael O’Leary, is also the A4E Chairman, says: “The next EU term must be focused on delivery. 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.” 

Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E said: “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,” 

The open letter can be found here.
It was signed by:Micheal O’Leary – Ryanair, Chair of A4EBogi Nils Bogason – Icelandair Marco Ciomperlik – TUI Richard Forson – Cargolux Luis Gallego – IAG  Martin Alexander Gauss – AirBaltic Dimitris Georgiannis – Aegean Steve Heapy – Jet2  Geir Karlsen – Norwegian Turkka Kuusisto – Finnair Johan Lundgren – EasyJet Carlos Munoz – Volotea Luis Rodriguez – TAP Ben Smith  – Air France-KLM GroupCarsten Spohr – Lufthansa Group Roman Vik – Smartwings  Valdemar Warburg – Sunclass