It was announced today that Europe’s new airline association, Airlines for Europe (A4E), has been officially launched.
It has been established by Europe’s five largest airline groups – Air France KLM, easyJet, International Airlines Group, Lufthansa Group, Ryanair. The association represent the interests of its members when dealing with the EU institutions, international organisations and national governments on European aviation issues.
The five CEOs – Alexandre de Juniac, Carolyn McCall, Willie Walsh, Carsten Spohr and Michael O’Leary are the main representatives of the Association.
A4E will grow its member base over the next months, uniting European airlines to take forward changes that will increase their competitiveness and result in lower fares and more choice for passengers.
They have set out three important measures. Firstly, they want to lower the cost of the EU’s airports by ensuring that monopoly airports are effectively regulated, delivering reliable and efficient airspace by reducing the cost of Air Traffic Control (ATC) provision through completion of the Single European Sky and better economic regulation at EU level.
Secondly, they want to deliver reliable and efficient airspace by reducing the cost of Air Traffic Control (ATC) provision through completion of the Single European Sky and better economic regulation at EU level.
Finally, they want to stimulate more economic activity and jobs by creating the right regulatory environment, removing unreasonable taxes.
The five CEOs today commented, "Today marks the beginning of a new era for European airlines. With the endorsement of the five largest airline groups in Europe, A4E will be a powerful vehicle to address the industry’s issues.
"For the first time, low-cost and network carriers are creating an association to support the adoption of a new European Aviation Strategy. Today we also call on all airlines in Europe to join us and make our voice even more powerful."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
