Up in the Air: The State of Aviation in Europe

A report by European Voice examines the state of Europe’s aviation industry as it faces challenges from inside and outside its borders.
 
Airlines in Europe are feeling pressure from two fronts. On one hand, efforts by the European Commission to liberalise the sector – for instance, giving airlines more options for baggage handlers and limiting the ways in which regions can restrict airport noise – have been strongly resisted by MEPs and member states. At the same time, the Commission is imposing new burdens on airlines in the form of Emissions Trading Scheme charges.
 
At a time when China is massively expanding its air travel infrastructure, European investment in airports has been slow. Efforts to expand existing airports, such as building a third runway at London’s Heathrow, have met with local protest. Are European airlines and airports losing a competitive edge?
 
And as aviation continues to strive to reduce emissions, how can new technologies and designs contribute to this process?

Click here to view the entire report: