The European Cockpit Association (ECA), representing over 44 000 pilots across Europe, has urged Germany not to grant additional traffic rights to UAE airlines unless fair competition conditions are guaranteed.
The ECA says significant differences in competitive conditions remain and it is urging the German government to consider Europe’s long-term strategic autonomy before approving any further market access during next week’s meeting with the UAE President.
“Europe cannot continue opening its aviation market when the airlines involved operate under fundamentally different conditions. Competition is important, but it must be fair. Anyone granting additional traffic rights must also consider the consequences for high-quality jobs, European hubs, and the long-term competitiveness of our aviation sector,” said Paul Reuter, ECA Vice President.
The group argued that European and UAE airlines operated under unequal conditions. For example, European airlines cannot fly over Russian airspace while UAE airlines continue to use it. This gives UAE carriers shorter routes to many Asian destinations, while European airlines face longer flights and higher costs.
Last year, Lufthansa called for the suspension of the EU-Qatar Open Skies Agreement, citing corruption concerns and unfair competition. Earlier this year, groups represented by the Members of the European Civil Aviation Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee renewed the call, warning that the agreement could negatively affect connectivity to Europe.
