Europe’s big five

Airlines for Europe (A4E) has officially been launched.

The new association has been founded by Europe’s five largest airline groups – Air France/KLM, easyJet, International Airlines Group, Lufthansa Group, Ryanair – to represent the interests of its members when dealing with the EU institutions, international organisations and national governments on European aviation issues. A4E expects to grow its member base over the coming months.
 
The five CEOs – Alexandre de Juniac, Carolyn McCall, Willie Walsh, Carsten Spohr and Michael O’Leary – commented:  “We welcome the European Commission’s Aviation Strategy for a stronger and more competitive European aviation industry.  But we need to act now – large scale airport monopolies, high charges, taxation and inefficiencies characterise the aviation supply chain.  We want to work with the Commission and the Member States to implement the strategy, and we call on the Member States to support the work of the Commission to reduce monopoly supplier costs.”
 
A4E will campaign on at least three important measures:
 
Lowering the cost of the EU’s airports.  Pursuing the Single European Sky.  Stimulating more economic activity and jobs by creating the right regulatory environment, removing unreasonable taxes.  Thomas Reynaert, formerly with United Technologies where he ran their European government relations office, joins as managing director of A4E. www.a4e.eu

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