In a meeting with the new European Commissioner for Transport, IACA airline CEOs called for the Commission`s renewed commitment of…
In a meeting with the new European Commissioner for Transport, IACA airline CEOs called for the Commission`s renewed commitment of economic growth to be translated into a favourable policy for air transport.
As aviation is a key factor in stimulating the economy, a coherent and supportive regulatory framework is necessary to secure a strong and competitive aviation industry.
Leisure airlines are particularly efficient carriers. We operate large modern aircraft with high passenger load factors and make optimal use of slots and airport capacity. The efficiency of IACA airlines is increasingly jeopardised by over-regulation.
The Director General of IACA, Mrs. Sylviane Lust commented: in recent years the European Commission has adopted an increasingly punitive approach towards the air transport industry. This has increased airline cost structures and undermined efficiency. Such regulation is impeding competitiveness of the air transport industry, in particular vis-a-vis non-EU carriers. If airlines are to act as genuine catalysts for economic growth and aid the Commission in reaching the Lisbon objectives, then it is time for a clear and substantive shift in air transport policy.
At the meeting with Commissioner Barrot, IACA airlines called for genuine consultation between the Commission and airline industry in the context of systematic business-impact assessments, coherence among all aspects of air transport legislation and a long-term strategy in favour of a competitive industry. Mrs. Lust commented: we are confident after our discussions with Mr. Barrot that the new Commissioner will work in partnership with the industry to develop a strong a competitive aviation industry for Europe.
The IACA delegation meeting with Commissioner Barrot consisted of:
- Air Berlin: Joachim Hunold, Managing Partner
- Hapag Lloyd: Wolfgang John, Managing Director / CEO
- Martinair: Arie Verberk, President & CEO
- Transavia: Onno Van den Brink: President & CEO
- TUI Airlines Belgium: Gunther Hofman, Chief Operating Officer
- IACA Secretariat: Sylviane Lust, Director General
- IACA Secretariat: Koen Vermeir, Director Aeropolitical Affairs
- IACA Secretariat: Michelle Walsh, Manger Marketing & Communications
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