EU looks to boost aviation sector with new tighter measures

Those responsible for instigating laws in the European Union (EU) are demanding new measures in order to protect and enhance the position of the EU transportation economy. As a consequence the European Parliament, which is based in Brussels, has just passed a resolution by 428-149 votes which wants to see all airlines playing on a level playing field while maintaining very high standards of safety.
The European Commission is due to issue a “Future Aviation Package” aimed at improving the sector, and this resolution is intended to feed into it. Parliamentarians said that “comprehensive aviation agreements with the EU’s major trading partners must be negotiated,” while expressing concern at the lack of competitiveness of European airlines and airports “vis-à-vis subsidized third-country carriers and airports.”
Of course to be effective these agreements would have to have a safeguard clause defining both an offense and outlining the consequences of any violation according to parliamentarians. They also sought revision by the Commission of current regulations relating to market-distorting practices that are deemed unfair, including the use of subsidies and state aid provided to airlines in non-EU countries. The resolution also pressed for the swift adoption of the ‘Single European Sky’ in order to combat the strategic problems and substantial running costs of a fragmented system, while also pushing for clarification on the rules relating to passengers’ rights.
While applauding these steps, the Association of European Airlines (AEA) made it clear that additional measures to counteract competition would be required, including the regulation of airport charges. It also made it clear that it held certain reservations with regard to expanding the current remit of the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Tony Tyler, IATA DG and CEO, made it clear that European airlines are struggling because of “unreasonable taxes, high costs for inefficient infrastructure and regulations unfit for purpose,” underlining that the Future Aviation Package will have to tackle those points.