Brussels, 27 May 2024- Airlines for Europe (A4E) has joined over 1100 organisations which have signed the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal. Ahead of European elections next month, Europe’s place in the world has come into sharp focus and Airlines for Europe is joining the call for competitiveness to be placed front and centre of the priorities for the next set of policymakers in Brussels.

This is particularly important for Europe’s airlines as they undergo a major transition towards more sustainable flying. A4E has already launched its call to action for new policymakers to help achieve this and has now also set out what is needed to achieve a competitive aviation industry in Europe.

This is centered on eight key areas which will be crucial for Europe’s airlines over the next half decade:

1. • Reduce the legislative burden and simplify legislation
   • Roll out a SAF industrial policy
   • Tackle excessive airport charges
   • Reduce energy prices and taxes
   • Complete the single aviation market
   • Ensure no competitive distortion between airlines and intermediaries
   • Streamline passenger data reporting obligations
   • Ensure consumer rights legislation provide full clarity for passengers and airlines

Reacting to the signing of the Antwerp Declaration, Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E) said, “Competitiveness is the word on everyone’s lips in Brussels and airlines are a major contributor, by keeping Europeans connected to each other and to the world. European airlines are also a crucial driver of jobs, growth and success by supporting 12 million jobs in the EU, which is about 1% of total jobs, while also making up over 4% of EU GDP.”

“Airlines want to maintain this crucial role while also ensuring Europe’s skies are the greenest in the world. This can only be achieved by ensuring they remain competitive on the world stage. The next Commission needs to heed the call from the over 1100 organisations that have signed this Declaration and implement a true European Industrial Policy that secures Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity for years to come.”

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 policymakers. Find out more at Flyingforourfuture.eu

About the Antwerp Declaration

The Antwerp Declaration outlines urgent industry needs to make Europe competitive, resilient, and sustainable in the face of challenging economic conditions. The declaration outlines 10 concrete actions, including integrating the EU Industrial Deal into the broader European Strategic Agenda, streamlining legislation, and simplifying the State Aid framework. It is available in full here.