The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the German government to focus on improving the competitiveness of the German air transport sector in the development of its national aviation policy.

Aviation supports the German economy by underpinning 1.12 million jobs and EUR77 billion in GDP. But these benefits are under pressure because of onerous taxes, airport infrastructure challenges and the overall inefficiency of European air traffic management.

“The development of a national aviation policy is an opportunity to address these issues. Doing so will boost Germany’s economic competitiveness by strengthening the foundations on which aviation provides crucial connectivity,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Tyler’s remarks were made at the opening of the World Air Cargo Symposium today in Berlin.

To build an even stronger base for airlines to link Germany competitively with global markets, government policies must eliminate burdensome taxation, ensure cost-efficient airport infrastructure to meet demand and enable access to reformed and modernized air traffic management systems.

Specifically IATA called for the German government to:

• Abolish the EUR 1 billion German departure tax: “Adding EUR1 billion to the cost of connectivity with the departure tax is counter-productive. Removing it would support job creation, boost trade, and make Germany a more attractive destination for both tourism and business,” said Tyler.
• Impose no further night flight restrictions at German airports: “The 2010 ban on night flights at Frankfurt has seen increased trucking of cargo from Germany to other European air cargo hubs. This results in higher costs and greater carbon emissions. We encourage communities, industry and government to work together for a balanced solution to future developments and for the government to keep its word that no further night-use restrictions will be introduced,” said Tyler.
• Address uncertainties over the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport: “After years of delay and cost overruns, full operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport are not expected to commence before the end of 2017 or even in 2018. To plan their businesses, airlines need clarity on the opening date and the costs that they will be expected to pay,” said Tyler.
• Take leadership in the modernization of European air traffic management: European connectivity suffers under the inefficiencies of a fragmented air traffic management that leads to delays, increased costs and unnecessary carbon emissions. Soon to be released IATA-commissioned research identifies that modernizing European air traffic management would lead to the creation of 158,000 jobs and boost German GDP by EUR45 million in the year 2035. “Sorting out European air traffic management holds a big prize for the German economy. Real value will be created for both business and consumers by leading European reforms in Germany’s aviation strategy,” said Tyler.