Photo by Zach Shahan | CleanTechnica
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As Europe transitions to sustainable energy alternatives and away from fossil fuel dependence, the aviation sector and airports must follow. As described in our response to the Aviation Strategy, airports form an important part of the aviation transition. Not only must airports themselves reduce their own emissions, they must also support and incentivize sustainable aviation across the board. Leading in the transition will allow airports and the aviation sector to remain competitive in new technology and the development of e-SAF and zero-emission Aviation. This will also increase Europe’s energy sovereignty and ability to defend itself. Airports, often closely connected to their communities and government, can be a key driver for this transition.
Rather than aiming for volume-based growth and competing for routes, airports should put quality over quantity. They should halt expansion projects and focus on connectivity that adds true societal value while stimulating zero-emission technologies and investing in the aviation sector of the future. The EU State Aid guidelines should accelerate this transition and allow decisive support to those that lead. This briefing highlights the main positions of T&E regarding State Aid for regional airports and concrete proposals to improve the draft guidelines.
