In an upcoming reboot of its aviation strategy, the EU will seek to shield domestic firms from undercutting by foreign airlines and producers, go all in on new technologies like autonomous aircraft, and make sure it is ready to resist international crises.
“A global level playing field is paramount to supporting the competitiveness of EU airlines and attractiveness of EU hub airports,” reads a document outlining an initial consultation opened on Thursday.
The EU executive’s concerns over competitiveness go well beyond the immediate issue of fuel supply risks stemming from the US-Israeli war on Iran.
The Commission refers indirectly to the financial burden that complying with European climate legislation places on local airlines, and says EU plan should “shield” the aviation and aeronautical industries “unfair competition”.
This means boosting strategic autonomy when it comes to supply chains: ensuring access to aviation fuel, critical raw materials, and other…
