After the pandemic, the European air transport sector is again at risk

Airlines for Europe (A4E) calls on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the member states to implement the aviation recommendations from Mario Draghi's report on the future of European competitiveness. Draghi's report looks at the challenges facing European industry and businesses in the single market. The report's findings will contribute to the Commission's work and the development of a new clean industry agreement that will be presented in the first 100 days of the Commission's new mandate.

Mario Draghi is an Italian financial expert who is credited with saving the euro, and his report is believed to be of key importance. Recognizing the importance of air transport in driving Europe's economic prosperity, A4E supports Draghi's recommendations for the European aviation industry, which ensure the continuation of supporting the green transition and encouraging the supply of low-carbon fuels, unlocking investment in the decarbonisation of aviation and the reform of European airspace, and addressing the so-called asymmetric decarbonisation.

In particular, the report confirms that aviation is a difficult sector to decarbonise and has a critical need for low-carbon fuels, recognizing that the cost of energy is a significant driver of the emerging competitiveness gap between Europe and the rest of the world.

Reacting to the release of the report, Ourania Georgoutsakou, Airlines' Europe Director, said:

"The next Commission must be bold and implement the policies that will address the aviation issues of the Draghi report: support low-carbon fuels, tackle business leakages and complete our single market. The EU excels in producing the report, but this alone will not ensure that Europe remains a global industrial and economic power. With this new mandate, Europe needs to stand out in the implementation of policies that keep us competitive. Many have called Mario Draghi because he has been asked to help in saving Europe's industrial future and competitiveness. European policymakers and national governments must accept the report's recommendations and do whatever is necessary to raise the level of European prosperity for generations to come.", said the director of Airlines for Europe, Ourania Georgoutsakou.

Mario Draghi's report is available HERE, and detailed analysis and recommendations HERE.