The CEOs of Airlines for Europe (A4E) have stressed the need for a competitive airline sector as they convened in Brussels to outline their key priorities for the new EU term, enhancing the competitiveness of airlines, reforming airspace, supporting aviation decarbonisation, and completing Europe’s Single Aviation Market.
Key challenges identified include urgent airspace reform to reduce emissions by up to 10pc, and the unlocking of €61 billion in annual investments for decarbonisation between 2030 and 2050.
The A4E advocates for the inclusion of aviation in the new Clean Industrial Deal to lower the cost of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and reduce the price gap with conventional fuel, crucial for achieving climate goals.
An open letter from A4E’s leadership was published, urging collaboration with the incoming European Commission and Member States to deliver on reforms, emphasizing the need for decisive action to maintain a competitive, sustainable, and accessible aviation sector.
Michael O’Leary, A4E Chairman, shared: “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 shared “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.”
