The Airlines International Representation in Europe – (AIRE) called on the European Commission to establish an "incentive for the production and availability of sustainable and commercially viable aviation fuels" on Tuesday 4 February, in an interview with Transport Commissioner Adina-Ioana Vălean.
According to the press release issued the following day by this association which represents 16 airlines from both European and non-European countries, such a measure would represent a "key element in the aviation strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of the sector".
According to its work programme presented on 29 January (see EUROPE 12414/4), the Commission foresees a legislative initiative on sustainable aviation fuels by the end of 2020.
In its press release, AIRE also asks the Commission to give priority to the fight against air transport monopolies, while reiterating its support for CORSIA as a global instrument to mitigate the environmental impact of the aviation sector.
Finally, on the issue of passenger rights, which is currently under discussion among Member States (see EUROPE 12417/6), the association would like the Commission to defend its proposal to include a list of extraordinary circumstances in the text. Such a measure would allow airlines to be exempted, in certain specific cases, from their obligation to compensate passengers in the event of delays or cancellations.
To read the press release: http://bit.ly/381dpQ1 (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)