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German aviation and tourism associations, including BARIG, are calling on the new federal government to reduce state-owned business location costs and increase future investments. Without these measures, Germany could lose its grip on international markets and weaken its competitiveness in the aviation sector.
Joint appeal from the associations
In a joint appeal, 16 associations and unions are urging the German government to implement decisive reforms in the areas of state-sponsored location costs and the promotion of future technologies. These measures are intended to strengthen Germany’s position as an aviation location and ensure its attractiveness for airlines. The air transport tax is a key obstacle, and they call for its abolition or at least its return to its 2011 level. This should restore the competitiveness of the German aviation industry and prevent airlines from moving abroad.
Promoting sustainable technologies
The associations emphasize the need to actively support the transformation to sustainable propulsion and alternative fuels. Long-term government funding and intensive research efforts are considered essential to establishing Germany as a globally leading high-tech location for the aviation industry. Such initiatives could also contribute to securing jobs and creating new growth opportunities, which are crucial for future integration into international markets.
Aftermath of the pandemic
BARIG emphasizes that Germany has lost considerable economic strength following the pandemic, while air traffic capacity has shrunk significantly. Reconnecting Germany to global economic flows and commodity markets is becoming increasingly urgent to avoid being left behind. Currently, the industry has only recovered by 87%, leaving Germany far behind in international rankings. Eliminating the air traffic tax could be crucial to regaining growth and momentum and increasing connectivity and passenger flows.
BARIG: Forward-looking measures required
Urgency characterizes the appeal, which calls for clear political support for the aviation industry. The measures presented are intended not only to revitalize competitiveness but also to contribute to Germany’s stronger connection to important international business locations and trade flows. This could lead to a major boost for the aviation industry beyond far-reaching economic and infrastructural strengthening.
The airline association BARIG, a major representative of over 100 international airlines in Germany, is continuously committed to improving the framework conditions in German air transport. Through strategic partnerships and targeted programs, BARIG supports the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry in a changing global environment.
