Brussels, 20 November 2024 – The European aviation industry has sent an open letter to the EU institutions and Member States urging them to prioritise aviation’s decarbonisation through a dedicated Industrial Strategy as part of the Clean Industrial Deal. This should encompass key recommendations from the Draghi Report on the bloc’s competitiveness.
The industry – represented by the DESTINATION 2050 partners, including all key parts of the aviation ecosystem – is also calling for a structured, high-level dialogue between the European Commission & Member States and the aviation industry to add further impetus to the efforts to decarbonise the sector in Europe.
This should come with comprehensive support mechanisms that will help accelerate aviation’s decarbonisation, namely:
- Accelerating research and development
- Scaling up sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) availability
- Enhancing access to low-carbon technology financing
Time is of the essence. As COP29 draws to a close, it is clear a fully aligned, effective and collaborative effort between all stakeholders is needed to unlock the necessary policies and financing that will enable European Aviation to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
ENDS
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
About ACI EUROPE
ACI EUROPE is the European region of Airports Council International (ACI), the only worldwide professional association of airport operators. ACI EUROPE represents over 500 airports in 55 countries. Our members facilitate over 90% of commercial air traffic in Europe. Air transport supports 13.5 million jobs, generating €886 billion in European economic activity (4.4% of GDP). In response to the Climate Emergency, in June 2019 our members committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions for operations under their control by 2050, without offsetting. www.aci-europe.org
About ASD
ASD is the voice of the European Aerospace, Security and Defence industry. ASD actively support the competitive development of the industry at both European and global levels, providing expertise to institutions and member companies.
About CANSO
CANSO – the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation – is the global voice of the air traffic management (ATM) industry and is shaping our future skies. Our members support over 90% of the world’s air traffic and include air navigation service providers, airspace users and operators, manufacturers and aviation industry suppliers. We raise the bar on global ATM performance by connecting the industry to share knowledge, expertise and innovation.
About ERA
ERA (European Regions Airline Association) is the trade association representing more than 55 airlines and over 150 associate members, including manufacturers, airports, suppliers, and aviation service providers, across the entire spectrum of the aviation industry. The power of one collective voice, representing multiple businesses, to promote and protect one industry sector is incredibly strong. ERA works on behalf of its members to represent their interests before Europe’s major regulatory bodies, governments and legislators to encourage and develop long-term and sustainable growth for the sector and industry. The association also brings members together to exchange information and learn from each other through events, groups, meetings and forums. A major part of ERA’s role is to raise the profile and importance of its members, to champion green and sustainable air connectivity and European air transport.