Brussels, 16 October 2024 – The CEOs of Airlines for Europe (A4E), Europe’s largest airline trade association, gathered in Brussels today to set out their priorities for the new EU term, urging policymakers to focus on reinforcing the competitiveness of airlines, airspace reform, supporting the decarbonisation of aviation and completing Europe’s Single Aviation Market. Achieving these 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. Focusing on these priorities will improve the experience of millions of European consumers in passenger services and air freight transport.

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• The urgent need to reform Europe’s outdated and fragmented airspace to ensure it is fit for today and the future, saving up to 10% of emissions, the equivalent of 90 million tonnes of CO2 over the term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*
• 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.”

Michael O’Leary, A4E Chairman, said: “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.”

“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” said Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E.

*calculation based on in-depth analysis from easyJet

ENDS

Media Contact:
Kevin Hiney: Communications Director, A4E
Tel: +32 499 82 82 94
Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu

About A4E
Airlines for Europe (A4E) is Europe’s largest airline association. Based in Brussels, A4E works with policymakers to ensure aviation policy continues to connect Europeans with the world in a safe, competitive and sustainable manner. With a modern fleet of over 3,600 aircraft, A4E airlines carried over 718 million passengers in 2023 and served nearly 2,100 destinations. Each year, A4E members transport more than 5 million tons of vital goods and equipment to more than 360 destinations either by freighters or passenger aircraft. A4E is #Flyingforourfuture with our commitment to Europe and our call to action for incoming European policymakers. Find out more at Flyingforourfuture.eu