The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for Europe (A4E), Europe’s largest airline association, have urged transport ministers from European Union member states to agree on a series of measures at the meeting to be held on 5 December.
The main demands of the airline industry representatives include recommendations for air traffic management on the continent that would lead to environmental improvements. In addition, they called for their performance to be subject to review by an independent regulatory authority.
Next Monday, officials will meet in Brussels to agree their position for future negotiations with the European Parliament. Discussions will focus on a proposal that the European Commission made in 2020. At that time, the European institution called for a fully independent regulator to assess the performance of different air navigation service providers in Europe. However, member states have rejected the proposal.
The position of IATA and Airlines for Europe
«The 2020 Commission proposals were clear that countries shouldn’t be marking the homework of their own air navigation service providers – they should submit their performance to be judged by an independent body, setting transparent and efficient targets to help cut emissions and delays», commented Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe.
In a press release, IATA said: «EU member states, fearful of the political consequences of upsetting powerful air traffic controller unions, have continually frustrated progress towards the safety, efficiency and environmental improvements that would be generated by the Single European Sky».
The text adds that «the imperative to achieve carbon savings has generated new momentum for reform» and that airlines support the European Commission’s proposal as it includes a new and welcome opportunity to optimise flight paths».
«At a time when politicians lecture aviation on a regular basis for its climate impact, it is outrageous that they refuse to push for reforms that could deliver up to 10% emissions reductions in European airspace», said Thomas Reynaert, Managing Director at Airlines for Europe. «Europe’s airlines urge ministers to seize the opportunity and implement the European Commission’s proposals to achieve a good deal for member states, airlines and the environment», he added.
See also: IATA: «Post-pandemic passengers want improved convenience throughout their trip»
