More ambition needed for European aviation

Today the European Commission presented the long-expected Aviation Package. The Aviation Package has to address the current and future challenges of the European aviation sector.

EPP Transport coordinator Wim van de Camp is moderately positive. "With this Aviation Package the European Commission takes an important step towards a joint European view, but I had expected a more ambitious plan."

From now on it is important to carry out the presented plans, because there is a great need for a good aviation package, emphasises Van de Camp. "The Aviation Package suggests plans for the drone industry, and with the right approach the EU can be leading on this specialism in the world. On the other side there is no attention for the ´modal shift´, on which they really missed their opportunity. That is the same for the little attention paid to regional airports and the so called ´business´ aviation companies who represent a big part of the market,´ says Van de Camp.

The European Commission intends to take action against unfair competition. Wim van de Camp: "The Commission presents new measures to deal with unfair competition in the aviation sector. This is very important, because the current rules are insufficient: The Gulf Cooperation Council offer a lot of subsidies to their companies and it is impossible for us to compete with them."

Vice-coordinator Marinescu: "I welcome the Commission position regarding both completion of SES 2+ and deployment of SESAR priorities for the competitiveness of EU aviation transport. I am glad that most of the requirements of EP aviation resolution were included in  Commission strategy. I am looking forward to see the efforts of the Commission in these regards.