The airline association Barig (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany) has expressed a fundamentally positive view of the intentions contained in the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD to strengthen air transport in Germany.
The association sees the formulated goals as a potential turning point for the struggling industry, but at the same time calls for swift and consistent implementation of the projects. Barig's core demand is a substantial reduction in government-generated costs in Germany as an aviation hub, ideally by at least half.
Barig board member Michael Hoppe welcomed the coalition agreement as a "good start," but emphasized that further relief was essential. He called on the coalition partners to address the relevant issues with vigor and sustainability. Specifically, Hoppe mentioned the abolition of the national blending quota for synthetic aviation fuels (PtL), which he believes is achievable in the short term. He also welcomed the future federal government's intention to advocate for fair framework conditions at the EU level for the implementation of the quota for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in order to prevent the threat of carbon leakage.
Barig sees the main reason for the recent negative development in air traffic in Germany in the high location costs, which he believes are largely due to government policies. The association expects a reduction of at least 50 percent here. The air traffic tax, in particular, must be reduced to the maximum, as otherwise Germany will continue to rank low in Europe. The high costs have already led to a shift in capacity, aircraft, and flight connections away from the German market. Reversing this trend through cost reductions would improve connectivity and have a positive impact on the German economy and its global competitiveness, Hoppe said. Especially in the current economic situation, a high degree of flexibility in international trade and for business travelers is crucial.
Barig trusts that the next federal government will recognize the importance of air transport for the German economy and act accordingly. Only then can air transport and the overall economy in Germany be put back on a growth path. The association emphasizes the need for swift and decisive measures to make Germany more attractive as an aviation location and strengthen its international competitiveness.
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