Brussels, 4 September 2024– The Swedish government’s decision to abolish its airline ticket tax from June 2025 is a win for both consumers and the decarbonisation of aviation. A4E welcomes this move, acknowledging the Swedish government’s recognition that the tax undermined the competitiveness and connectivity of Swedish aviation. The tax did little to advance decarbonisation; it was a blunt instrument that ignored factors like aircraft fuel efficiency, passenger numbers, and load factor, offering no incentives to improve environmental performance. The revenues from the tax were also not reinvested in the decarbonisation of aviation. Instead, it increased costs for consumers and weakened the competitiveness of Swedish aviation.
Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E, said, “Too often, governments impose additional taxes on aviation that do little to advance decarbonisation, fragment the European single aviation market, and weaken Europe’s aviation competitiveness. The Swedish government deserves praise for recognising this and taking a step that will boost Swedish aviation and enhance Sweden’s competitiveness. Only by ensuring we have a strong and competitive airline industry in Europe can we accelerate the sector’s transition to a more sustainable future.”
Kevin Hiney: Communications Director, A4E
Tel: +32 499 828294
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