ACI EUROPE urges bold EU action to secure aviation’s sustainable and competitive future

Addressing officials from the EU institutions and Member States, along with industry partners at the annual ACI EUROPE New Year reception, Armando Brunini, President of ACI EUROPE and CEO of SEA Milan Airports, urged policymakers to adopt bold, forward-thinking approaches to secure European aviation’s competitive and sustainable future amid shifting geopolitical, environmental, and economic landscapes.

Geopolitics: raising the bar on aviation security

With rising geopolitical tensions increasing aviation security threats, Brunini called for the EU to develop its own integrated testing and certification system: “This would allow the EU to keep pace with and support the development and deployment of critical security technology — and should be part of the EU’s strategic autonomy agenda.”

He cited the September 2023 reintroduction of liquid and gel restrictions, which undermined trust in the certification system after airports had invested millions in advanced screening technology. He also urged greater EU support for security capacity building and strategic infrastructure financing, stating: “It is high time for a reality check.”

Decarbonisation & capacity: lessons from the ‘Draghi report’

Brunini reaffirmed European airports’ support for Fit for 55 but cautioned against cutting emissions at the cost of air connectivity. Referring to the Draghi report, he said:

“We need more flexibility and more support to make sure we can decarbonise while at the same time preserving the unique economic and social benefits of air connectivity.”

He called for the EU to include aviation in the Clean Industrial Deal, establish a book & claim system for SAF deployment, and provide more free ETS allowances for SAF.

He also highlighted the disproportionate impact of Fit for 55 on small regional airports, urging the European Commission to adapt its State aid guidelines: “The current State aid guidelines do not factor in the fact that by increasing the cost of flying, Fit for 55 will make it more difficult for these airports to retain and attract airlines — thus further compromising their financial viability.”

MEP Daniel Attard echoed these concerns, stating: “The specific economic and financial challenges faced by our small regional airports must be recognised by the European Commission in its State aid guidelines, so that Europe preserves its regional airport network.”

Brunini also warned against limiting capacity at major airports without adhering to EU balanced approach rules: “We call on the Commission to ensure these rules are strictly adhered to.”

Single aviation market integrity & airport slots

On the European Commission’s ‘Fitness Check’ consultations, Brunini called for reform of airport slot rules: “These rules date back over 30 years and reflect an aviation market that no longer exists. They must be adapted to the reality of the capacity crunch we are facing, as well as airlines consolidating.”

MEP Jens Gieseke supported this, stating: “We need a strategic action plan for the EU aviation sector to identify opportunities for reducing administrative burdens, ensure a level playing field within the industry, and evaluate the financial resources necessary to sustain competitiveness amid decarbonisation pressures.”