EUROPE. Industry associations representing Europe’s aviation industry – including the ETRC (European Travel Retail Confederation) – have united to call on EU institutions and member states to provide quick and targeted support to business.
The urgent call comes on behalf of an aviation industry “that has come to a complete halt and is struggling to survive the COVID-19 crisis,” they said.
A joint statement was issued today by ETRC, Airlines for Europe, Airline Catering Association, ACI Europe, Airport Services Association, The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations, European Regions Airline Association, and EU Travel Tech.
They noted that aviation is strategically important to Europe’s economy and to employment, representing more than 12 million jobs and €800 billion in economic activity. With air traffic grounded, airports have come to a standstill.
The associations, which represent members across the European air travel chain and air transport ecosystem, want “better coordinated and proactive actions to support the industry and aid its future recovery”.
The statement added: “The European institutions must take all the necessary measures to ensure the short-term financial viability of the travel industry enterprises with the objective of maintaining a functioning travel industry.”
It added that they must also protect “employees and consumers alike, and help them to efficiently restore air connectivity and support the re-growth of European economies”.
“Europe’s citizens, communities and visitors will see its vibrance restored more rapidly if the air transport sector can quickly recover, once the COVID-19 health crisis has passed. No small part of this depends on governments providing firm supportive measures today,” they said.
