Europe's aviation sector must adapt swiftly if it is to keep its place at the pinnacle of the global air travel industry, according to EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas. With air traffic set to double by 2030, European carriers must adapt swiftly to beat the international competition. After a tough few years, the prospects for growth were good, he said especially if the sector makes the most of new growth opportunities.
The dialogue, held in cooperation with The Boeing Company, was opened by EPC Policy Analyst Annika Ahtonen, who pointed out that, while aviation was a major benefit to society and the economy with more than 800 million people travelling annually through EU airports. However, the sector accounted for 3% of total EU’s greenhouse gas emissions - signalling that more should be done to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. Also support schemes for national airlines and regional airports prompted questions about their long-term competitiveness and sustainability.