The stakeholder associations representing Europe’s aviation industry unite in calling on the EU institutions and member states to provide quick and targeted support to an industry that has come to a complete halt and is struggling to survive the COVID-19 crisis.

Brussels, 3 April 2020 – Aviation is a strategically important sector making a vital contribution to Europe’s overall economy and employment. In light of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, Europeans are no longer able to travel, the vast majority of aircraft in Europe are grounded, the sale of air tickets has come to a nearly complete stop and airports across the continent have come to a standstill.

While welcoming the initiatives of the European Commission in targeted areas such as state aid, recognising that entire markets are non-functioning and urgent aid is needed – the organisations representing all stakeholders of the air travel value chain and air transport ecosystem in Europe call for better co-ordinated and proactive actions to support the aviation industry and aid in its future recovery.

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, protecting 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.