go to the original language article
The EU’s strategy for strong, competitive, and sustainable air transport was presented by the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, at the annual Airlines for Europe (A4E) Aviation Summit in Brussels.
Mr. Tzitzikostas participated in the ninth annual Aviation Summit, which took place at a critical time for Europe as it faces a rapidly changing global landscape, with maintaining competitiveness becoming a central point of EU policy. “Airlines, as key drivers of connectivity, economic growth, and social progress, are an important pillar of this discussion,” it was noted.
During his speech, Mr. Tzitzikostas emphasized that the role of air transport is extremely crucial for connectivity in Europe. Air transport, he stressed, has brought citizens and regions of Europe closer together, opened up new business opportunities, and enhanced innovation, bringing many regions out of isolation. The Commissioner also emphasized the close relationship between the development of air transport and tourism development – which is the second pillar of his portfolio – where each sector creates opportunities for the other.
Mr. Tzitzikostas stressed that the absolute priority is safety. European air transport is experiencing great growth and success today, but as the Commissioner noted, “this does not mean that we can afford to rest on our laurels” and highlighted that the main challenges for the air transport sector today are competitiveness, innovation, safety, autonomy, and sustainability.
Referring to the need to reduce carbon emissions, Mr. Tzitzikostas emphasized that besides environmental protection, it concerns development, energy independence, and social progress.
The Commissioner stated that eliminating carbon emissions should not come at the expense of competitiveness, and the EU has already taken initiatives to boost competitiveness with the upcoming revision of the aviation services regulation, focusing on international competitiveness, reducing bureaucracy, and revising airport economic regulations that are already underway.
He also mentioned the rights of air transport passengers, noting that they are indeed strong but can and should become even stronger: “We need rules that are simple, understandable, and fair, both for passengers and the industry. Negotiations for the reform of passenger rights are progressing. Maintaining financial stability is crucial for airlines. We cannot create rules that economically burden the industry more and hinder growth. The goal with the passenger rights review we are preparing is to achieve a balance between the financial stability of airlines and strong passenger protection, and this requires the cooperation of all involved,” he said and called on airlines to establish a common standard for allowable cabin baggage limits.
Mr. Tzitzikostas also addressed the issue of flight safety and European airspace, emphasizing among other things that “European airspace is safe for flights. But capacity does not sync with demand, especially during the summer months. The EU is globally leading in innovation for air traffic management. But we must continue to push for greater flexibility, reducing airspace fragmentation, and enhancing sustainability.” He made a special mention of the “new service model,” which will lead to benefits in safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
The Commissioner emphasized that the EU remains a world leader in research and innovation in the field of sustainable aircraft technology, noting that the European aerospace sector is developing highly efficient engines.
Concluding his speech and addressing airline executives, Mr. Tzitzikostas highlighted: “Air transport has offered so much to Europe. By connecting people, businesses, and our economies, it has helped the EU meet its founding principles and core values of freedom, unity, and equality. But our journey is only beginning. A new chapter is ahead of you, and it is up to you to write it. Your success will be Europe’s success. We face a future that is competitive, just, sustainable, and proudly European.”
On the sidelines of the Summit, the Commissioner held a meeting with senior executives of European airlines and bilateral meetings with the CEO of Lufthansa Group, Carsten Spohr, the CEO of Air France – KLM, Benjamin Smith, and the CEO of International Airlines Group (British Airways-Iberia), Luis Gallego. (31/3/2025)