Airlines International Representation in Europe welcomes the Clean Industrial Deal as a step forward in aligning climate action with industrial competitiveness, however more targeted measures are needed to ensure a fair and competitive transition for aviation—a key pillar of connectivity, trade, and economic growth.

🔹 Affordable and sustainable energy: Access to competitively priced, clean energy remains a challenge. The Clean Industrial Deal promotes energy affordability, but further action is required to scale up sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) production and support hydrogen and electric innovation.

🔹 A fair and balanced approach to global competition: Aviation operates in an interconnected global market. It is essential that regulatory frameworks ensure a level playing field for all carriers, by fostering fair, effective, and globally coordinated sustainability policies.

🔹 Investment and incentives: The Deal mobilizes over €100 billion for clean industrial transition, yet aviation-specific funding and long-term financial incentives for SAF, fleet renewal, and technological innovation must be strengthened.

🔹 Infrastructure and innovation: Scaling up SAF production, modernizing airport infrastructure, and advancing next-generation technologies require strong public-private collaboration and clear EU policies to accelerate progress.

The aviation sector is fully committed to a net-zero future, but to ensure both sustainability and competitiveness, the Clean Industrial Deal must deliver dedicated support for aviation’s transition. This includes scalable SAF incentives, targeted infrastructure investments, and a predictable regulatory framework that ensures access to affordable clean energy. Strengthening public-private collaboration and unlocking tailored financing mechanisms will be key to accelerating progress.