In a post-pandemic context with flaring geopolitical tensions, critical EU and domestic elections, growing regulatory challenges, as well as intensified efforts to deliver on aviation’s Fly Net Zero 2050 commitment, what short and medium-term prospects can we expect, particularly from a policy standpoint?
An interview with Robert Chad, Area Manager who oversees France, Belgium, The Netherlands & Southern Europe (Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta), and all our member airlines in these markets*.
· How has the policy focus evolved in your markets since the pandemic?
Many of the markets witnessed a strong resurgence, which was often referred to as “Travel Revenge”. This is a testimony that people view travel as an essential part of their life. We have seen diverse responses in terms of policy making, from abusive increased airport charges, and imposed noise restrictions (of which Amsterdam and Brussels are the most emblematic), to efforts in support of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and everything in between. In France, we are witnessing a full spectrum of policies affecting aviation. This includes a 200 million EUR support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel projects, but also the flight ban on routes that can be operated by rail in less than 2h30 (a symbolic measure with little environmental benefit), as well as a significant tax hike. 2025 has also seen a drastic increase of the Solidarity Tax, which further questions the consistency of the government’s approach towards aviation, which is referred to as a “sector of excellence” for the country. But then again, all this is not surprising considering France has boasted five (!) different Transport ministers since the COVID19 pandemic… and we may have a sixth one in the coming days. To that extent, at the end of 2024, we issued and shared a Policy Brief to illustrate the importance of aviation and the necessary steps for the government to take.
· Sustainable Aviation Fuels represent the main solution for the industry to deliver its Fly Net Zero 2050 commitment. What update can you provide, notably on the required sufficient availability and ‘affordable’ pricing, as well as the book and claim system?
All governments in my cluster are now fully aware of this, but responses differ. Some countries have a clear roadmap to reach the 2050 goal, while others are only now setting up decarbonization roundtables to discuss the way forward, and some have neither of these advances in place. From our discussions with policymakers, there is a clear acknowledgement of the need of a Book and Claim system, however some raise the concern of the challenge to effectively control and track the environmental benefit across the process. We need to come up with an optimal solution, as SAF will not be available in all airports, at least not in the coming years. At our last AGM in Delhi, the pricing distortion point was clearly addressed. Many of our members had to pay unreasonable SAF compliance fees due to the current market conditions.
· As of late, we have been witnessing increasing aviation bashing and greenwashing measures from Governments. What actions have you or will you put in place to counter this trend?
The political ‘panic’ response to pressure aviation is risky and can have disastrous effects on the sector and the economy in general. IATA published late last year a series of Value of Aviation reports, which highlight the criticality of the sector for connectivity, economies, and societies. In France, we went one step further by sharing the Policy Brief with all the Parliament Members to ensure these policymakers acquire a full understanding of the importance of their decisions with regards to our industry.
Airlines are committed to addressing their environmental footprint. This includes “noise”, which is now clear to all policymakers. Unfortunately, after the flight capping at Amsterdam, others such as Brussels have considered following suit, often without applying the necessary Balanced Approach. Governments should look at the sector with ‘unbiased’ fresh eyes, fully understanding the value and benefits of aviation, the connectivity it provides, and keep in mind that the industry supports 15 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This would facilitate smarter policymaking, stability and consistency.
· Italy represents a best practice when it comes to accessibility, notably with the ‘One Click Away’ project. How can we ensure other countries follow in its footsteps?
This topic is particularly important to me. People deserve to and must travel in a dignified way. This journey starts at the flight search and booking process. Not one stakeholder in all my cluster disagrees with this affirmation. Authorities must serve as ‘sponsors’ -like Italy with ENAC- enabling and facilitating change through platforms and initiatives. We are making advancement in France, and engaged other countries to follow. Airlines are supportive, and many of them have expanded the ‘One Click Away’ initiative to all their websites! From our side, we are engaging all stakeholders (airlines, authorities, airports, associations of disabled persons, association of travel agents, airports …) to explain the concept and facilitate adoption, and IATA played an active role in the INCLAVI (INCLusive AVIation) project which just concluded.
* Aegean Airlines, Aeroitalia, Air Corsica, Air Dolomiti, Air France, Airhub Airlines, Amelia, APG Airlines, ASL Airlines Belgium, ASL Airlines France, Avion Express Malta, Blue Bird Airways, Brussels Airlines, Chalair, Challenge Airlines (BE), Corsair International, Cyprus Airways, French Bee, Hi Fly (Malta), ITA Airways, KLM, KM Malta Airlines, La Compagnie, Martinair Cargo, Neos, Olympic Air, Poste Air Cargo, SKY express, SmartLynx Airlines Malta, TUS Airways.
Additional information:
· Value of Aviation reports: Belgium, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands
· France policy brief (English / français)
· Subscribe to the Europe Region Blog and other IATA News
