Brussels, 24/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - Arguing that fertile soil had to be provided for Europe's key industries to develop and stimulate the economy, European airlines are very unhappy that a surfeit of European legislation is preventing them from playing their part. At the annual general meeting of the Association of European Airlines (AEA) on Thursday 24 May, the chief executives of 34 major European airlines met European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas and criticised the European regulation which is hampering their attempts to play their part in boosting the European economy. They highlighted delays in implementing the single European sky, the deadlock on the EU emissions trading scheme (ETS) and the lack of infrastructure.
The heads of the airlines detected felt that Kallas was sympathetic to their concerns, but “that is not enough. We have to get a move on. We are not in the same time zone as the administration!” AEA President and joint chairman of Brussels Airlines Bernard Gustin told press after the meeting.
Lufthansa Chief Executive Christoph Franz did not mince his words on the single European sky, which he felt had failed any positive result in terms of air transport efficiency and costs. The aviation industry is furious that the largest member states “are simply not delivering”, he said. He added that the Commission should be forcing them to do something and offering incentives because “this fragmentation is ridiculous and unacceptable. The Commission must stand firm”. Willie Walsh of the International Airlines Group, very concerned at the possibility of a trade war as a result of the ETS directive being applied to aviation, said he had informed the commissioner of the industry's frustration and great anger. While 99% of airlines are complying with the ETS, he says that this must not be interpreted as agreement. Reprisals are still possible, and “we can't deliver growth with a trade war hanging over us”. On behalf of the AEA, he called on the Commission to demonstrate leadership and take firm action to find a solution. (MD/transl.rt)