Europe's mainline airlines are calling on Brussels to hold a high-level conference of transport officials and national ministers to discuss priorities and requirements for the 2005 legislative programme of the European Union (EU).
The proposals form part of an action plan presented by the Association of European Airlines (AEA) to the incoming team of European commissioners and the newly elected members of the European Parliament (MEPs). AEA president, Austrian Airlines chief executive Vagn Soerensen, delivered the plan to new transport commissioner Jacques Barrot and key MEPs in mid-October.
The AEA says it will "proactively facilitate" a conference involving transport ministers, MEPs and representatives of the European Commission (EC). "The objectives should be clearly identifiable, so that a follow-up conference can establish if these have been met." The AEA also suggests there should be regular meetings between member states and industry stakeholders "to identify issues of mutual interest within each EU member state". Other proposals include new mechanisms to determine airport charges "so that airports are motivated to reduce cost platforms".
The AEA lists its priorities as identifying air transport infrastructure needs; creating a "truly" European single sky for air navigation provision; liberalisation of all aviation service providers, "not just the airlines"; and maximum security with minimum hassle.
The AEA calls for EU institutions to help speed up investment in infrastructure projects, warning that airport congestion is the most critical obstacle to aviation growth. The organisation points out that it often takes longer to plan, seek approval for and build a runway than to develop a jet aircraft.
The association complains that air transport infrastructure should receive equal treatment with other forms of transport, especially with regard to European funding. This would also contribute to improved co-operation between different transport modes, particularly with railways.
The AEA also calls on the EC and member states to ensure the concept of a Single European Sky is actually implemented, and that more immediate short-term improvements are also carried out.
On liberalisation, the AEA says Brussels should ensure service providers such as airports, aircraft manufacturers and handling companies "are not allowed to exploit their dominant positions and become detached from market developments".
In addition to its call for the reform of airport charging mechanisms, the AEA says service providers should not allowed to exploit their dominant positions and wants regulation of monopoly providers and the implementation of measures to liberalise ground handling.
The airlines go on to argue harmonisation of security policy. They point out that European carriers spent over €1.6 billion ($1.9 billion) on extra security in 2001-2 alone.
The AEA says it is "encouraged" by Barrot's recent hearing before the European Parliament's Transport Committee. AEA secretary general Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus welcomed Barrot's stated desire to focus on the European transport industry's competitiveness, and his belief that states should take responsibility for funding security.
"The AEA calls upon the European institutions to...
1. Infrastructure "...expedite the infrastructure investment procedures, develop a level playing field and promote co-operation between the modes of transport."
2. Air navigation "...ensure that the concept of a Single European Sky is made a reality."
3. Liberalisation "...ensure that the aviation service providers become subjected to market demand and economic conditions."
4. Security "...put internationally standardised measures in place to enhance security, and to agree on the international funding of anti-terror measures to ensure a global level playing field."
COLIN BAKER LONDON
Source: Airline Business
