The Association of Transport Pilots welcomes the plans of the new federal government to support new technologies in order to make air traffic climate-friendly.

“The pilots are aware of the impact air traffic has on the environment and we want to be part of the solution to reduce CO2 emissions. That is why we already formulated measures in our own position paper in 2019, with which the various stakeholders in aviation can contribute to improving climate protection, ”says Leila Belaasri, Head of Public Relations and press spokeswoman for the VC. “We are particularly pleased about the announcement that the revenue from the aviation tax will be used for the purpose of promoting alternative fuels. We are convinced that faster market penetration can be achieved in this way. "

In order to prevent distortions of competition and carbon leakage, however, the levies for air traffic must be designed in such a way that they cannot be circumvented by airlines from third countries that operate internationally. From the point of view of the VC, this is possible with the proposal of a uniform European air traffic tax. Only in this way can the climate be effectively protected and jobs can be preserved in Germany at the same time. The pandemic in particular showed the great economic importance of air traffic in Germany, without which it would not have been possible to supply the population with important goods. 

The VC also welcomes the goal that flight tickets may not be sold at a price below taxes, surcharges, fees and charges. “We have learned that air transport has its value for society and can also have a fair price. We hope that an anti-dumping regulation will provide a clear impetus for more social sustainability for employees in the industry, ”concluded Belaasri.