European airline CEOs are urging EU policymakers to increase support for alternative aviation fuels following the introduction earlier this year of new fuel blending mandates.
At a meeting in Paris this week, chief executives of the 17 member airlines that make up the Airlines for Europe (A4E) association called for urgent action to establish a viable market for alternative aviation fuels – also known as ‘sustainable’ aviation fuels, or ‘SAF’.
In a joint statement, leaders from airline groups including Air France-KLM, IAG, Lufthansa and Ryanair warned that without “decisive action before the end of this year”, rising costs will harm air travel accessibility and connectivity across Europe.
This follows the introduction of fuel blending mandates in both the UK and EU that require airlines to use at least 2 per cent of alternative aviation fuel in all flights. This is set to increase to 6 per cent in 2030, with the ultimate target of reaching 70 per by 2050.
“Simply implementing mandates does not create a functioning SAF market, and European airlines are currently paying the price with excessive surcharges and no price transparency, making large-scale use in flight operations impractical,” A4E said in a statement.
The group added that the fuel blending mandates in their current form, together with the EU’s broader Fit for 55 decarbonisation strategy, “disproportionately increase the costs of flying through EU hubs and to EU destinations, while driving traffic, jobs and emissions outside Europe”.
The association is calling for more multi-year alternative fuel allowances, a ‘simple’ book-and-claim system, a market intermediary for alternative fuels in Europe and for costs to be fairly distributed between EU and non-EU airlines.
“European airlines remain committed to decarbonising, but this should not come at the cost of competitiveness and accessible air travel for all,” A4E said. “Europe’s airlines cannot continue being held back by outdated thinking and self-defeating policies.”
The association is urging the European Commission to launch a strategic dialogue for the region’s aviation sector, warning that “without urgent EU action and reform this year, Europe’s competitive edge will erode, leaving passengers paying the price.”