IATA Looks For New Connectivity Policies

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IATA is calling on governments and regulators to encourage stronger European cohesion and economic development by embracing policies to promote greater air connectivity. Key to this is recognizing the different strengths and benefits offered by the diverse types of carriers operating in Europe.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, observed that: “Europe, just like the rest of the world, relies on air connectivity, which is vital for society, tourism, and trade. Business users of the European air transport network–large and small—have confirmed this in a recent IATA survey: 82% say that access to global supply chains is “existential” for their business. And 84% “cannot imagine doing business” without access to air transport networks.”

Walsh continued: “The deregulation that delivered the Single Aviation Market is one of the significant successes of the European project and it would be a travesty if regulations that failed to take proper account of the realities of the airline business were to undermine this achievement. New evidence shows that Europe benefits from many different kinds of airlines and it needs all these different business models – and the services they provide – to thrive.”

European regulators have chosen to tackle several challenging air transport issues in the coming months, including airport slots, passenger rights, and sustainability. These all have a potential impact on the choice and value that European travellers have come to expect, and it is vital that regulators have the full picture on the contribution different airline business models bring to air connectivity.

To assist policymakers, IATA Economics developed a report analyzing the extent of the connectivity provided by Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) and network carriers in Europe. The report shows that they offer different and complimentary types of connectivity, while also competing on many popular routes.

The report was launched at the IATA Wings of Change Europe event being held in Istanbul, Türkiye, Nov. 8 to Nov. 9.

Go to www.iata.org for more.