What future does European aviation face?
What is the single greatest challenge facing European aviation and air transport at present?
When talking about European aviation challenges, managing demand and growth are probably the biggest issues.
How can the EU and the national regulators facilitate this growth responsibly?
There are many challenges on the journey.
European operators are faced with demographic change (population growth outside Europe and shrinking of the middle class in the EU), with international fierce competition based on new business models (low cost on long distances, the Uber of the skies) and external factors (growing protectionism trend, terrorism threats). There are also constraints to source capital and sometimes a lack of market access to growing markets. It is up to the EU and national regulators to propose possible solutions, and build the conditions for growth that will benefit our entire economy.
But that’s not all. We have to do all of this by obtaining a “licence to grow.” In other words, we want to see aviation grow, but not at any cost. We have to maintain high standards in safety, security, employment and environment.
When thinking of the future, we must think of how to remain at the top of all standards, something that comes at a cost for all actors of the aviation supply chain. To keep high standards and reduce costs, the role of innovation is key, as well as, again, the regulators, as the institutions that can allow innovative technologies and ideas to unfold.
Are you able to share an opinion on the impact of Brexit on European aviation?
I suppose one of the biggest issues is the uncertainty Brexit creates. Airlines plan their routes at least 12 months in advance, and then start selling tickets to passengers, who also plan trips some time ahead.
Will a UK-owned airline be able to operate into the EU and vice versa?
What kinds of rules will passengers with EU airlines be subject to when flying into London?
What kind of security and safety standards will apply if the UK leaves the common market?
Brexit brings a fine long list of uncertainty, and in an industry where planning for new runways, terminals and the purchase of aircraft can take years if not decades, I think we are in for a very bumpy ride indeed.