Airlines International Representation in Europe (AIRE)  warmly congratulates Apostolos Tzitzikostas on his designation as the new Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and expresses its best hopes for his upcoming confirmation hearing with the European Parliament.

In alignment with the goals outlined in the Mission Letter, AIRE is firmly committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the sustainability of the airline industry and advance the ambition of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. A critical component of this effort is reducing reliance on fossil fuels through the increased adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Despite the substantial progress in technology and policy, a significant challenge remains in overcoming the current constraints related to SAF supply.

Equally important to us is the ongoing development of air passenger rights. With the existing regulations approaching two decades of age, there is a pressing need for comprehensive updates. These updates are essential to ensure that passenger rights keep pace with the evolving demands of the travel industry and the expectations of today’s travelers. AIRE advocates for reforms that will modernize the regulations and better serve both passengers and the aviation sector in an ever-changing landscape.

As we move forward, AIRE looks forward to collaborating closely with Commissioner Tzitzikostas and other stakeholders to drive progress in these critical areas. Our commitment remains steadfast in working towards a more sustainable and equitable aviation industry that benefits both the environment and the traveling public.