barcelona will host this Thursday and Friday informal meeting of his ministers Transport It will bring together the owners of this portfolio from the European Union. Twenty seven member countries to move towards a goal. more accessible and efficient transport and mobility. The aim is not to reach an agreement, Airlines Association (ALA) relies on leveraging the scenario to find a solution Common axis of Mediterranean countries against him kerosene taxwhich is part of ongoing legislative proposals in Europe and Promoting sustainable fuels Measures within the framework of the climate package to scale up production Suitable for 55 Dedicated to aviation.
“We hope countries will like it Portugal, Greece and Italy Make a joint bloc with Spain because a tax would destroy tourism, which is the main industry of these countries. We hope that Spain will create a common front among Southern European countries. prevent its implementation, “at least in its current form,” explains the president of the association, which includes 60 companies that account for more than 85% of air traffic. Javier GandaraIn an interview with EL PERIÓDICO of the Prensa Ibérica group. Review of the Energy Taxation Directive, tax this fuel For domestic flights within the European Union, at a cost of 10.75 euros per gigajoule.
“The problem is that it’s just returned within EuropeSo much so that tourism-receiving countries such as Spain are much more affected and receive most of their tourism from the continent. To: german government Instead of a tourist going to Spain Türkiye or Egypt “He doesn’t care, but Spain has a lot of work to do,” he adds. According to a study conducted by DeloitteThe impact of a tax on aviation fuel in Spain will mean a loss of fuel. 4.5 million international touristsIn addition to 169,000 jobs and almost 10 billion euros of GDP in 2030.
A lien means: more expensive tickets not only for users but also less offer Since there is such a “huge” drop in demand, the “impact” will be reflected in “increased prices and reduced flights, reduced frequencies and destinations.” That’s why airline employers advocate. other ways related to decarbonize Sector such as fuel oil sustainable for aviation (Referred to as SAF due to its English abbreviation). In a dossier approved by the European Parliament last week, biofuel Aircraft loading rate will increase from 2% in 2025 to 70% in 2050 and aviation industry allegation public assistance To promote this industry in Spain.
Its fledgling development makes sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) still ‘in-between’ three and six times more expensive instead of traditional kerosene,” the industry claims.public policy can be carried out to reduce and maintain this difference accessible travel as it has been so far,” explains Gándara. According to a report by PwC, Spain could become the “world champion” of SAF with the construction of 30 to 40 facilities that will add $56 billion to GDP and 270,000 new jobs by 2050. Catalonia 4 of these factories can be located, which will create a GDP of 10.6 billion euros and more than 41,600 jobs.
Fly in a zigzag pattern
Raquel Sánchez, Acting Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda. priorities Reaching an agreement is on the agenda of Spain’s EU Presidency. Single European Sky Arrangement, This means: airlines Fly in a straight line instead of a zigzag“will reduce” 10% emissions across Europe”. “More than technologically possible, the problem is political. Member States have to accept that they have to do this if they want a single sky. give up your sovereignty to manage airspace in a unified way,” Gándara admits.
Also general manager of low-cost company EasyJet Spain and Portugal reject such proposals Whoever flies more pays more -Sumar suggested this- because “supply is decreasing and prices are rising” or set a minimum price because it “hurts the lowest income earners.” As for France’s proposal to ban short flights, this seems “more fraudulent than effective” because ““It barely affects three routes.” and note that a study by the College of Aeronautical Engineers pegged emissions from commercial aviation in Spain at 0.9%.
price increases
Despite the changes the sector will face in the coming years, the employer representative refuses to talk about it. irreparable rise in prices with the effects of decarbonization, but acknowledges that: big challenge “The goal of the coming years will be to ensure a cleaner airline industry.”This does not mean that flight tickets are no longer affordable.”. “A taxi from Barajas to central Madrid costs almost 30 euros. The average price for a ‘low cost’ airline is between 50 and 70 euros, which is quite affordable. “I don’t know if there is a ceiling, but efforts will continue to be made to avoid it,” he insists.
Regarding the approval European Parliament Petitions Committee a decision that encourages Ensuring that airlines can carry passengers’ cabin baggage free of charge, Gándara states that these commercial practices ” completely legal and is protected as follows: European regulation 1008/2008 This establishes the freedom to determine the price.” “The passenger always has the information of the flight price he has chosen from the beginning and select services you need it and in the end you pay for what you need. These applications respond to the principle of giving consumers choice so that every consumer can always choose what they need. “This is also an operational issue, planes do not have the physical capacity to carry all passengers’ small suitcases or cars,” he says.