How the European Commission is undermining the competitiveness of European airlines

European Commission under pressure from air carriers Air France-KLM And Lufthansa Group: sanctions against Russia have deprived Europe of competitive routes to Asia.

European airlines Air France-KLM And Lufthansa Group turned to European Commission with a proposal to revise the rules for the use of airspace. According to their assessment, the current sanctions restrictions against Russia create serious economic inequality on routes between Europe and Asia, while Chinese And Middle Eastern carriers continue to use Russian air corridors without restrictions.

Until March 2022, European airlines operated approximately 30% of all trans-Siberian flightsactively using the shortest route to the countries of Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Korea. According to Rosaviatsiaon February 25, 2022, the number of such flights reached 70 per day. After the introduction of sanctions against Russian airlines Moscow introduced a mirror ban for European carriers, denying them access to their airspace.

More expensive, longer, dirtier

The difference in route lengths between Europe and Asia is now up to four hour flightwhich dramatically increases operating costs. For example, a flight London–Tokyo on the Boeing 787-9 became almost two hours longer, consuming an additional 11.6 tons of fuel (about $9,950) and emitting into the atmosphere 37 tons CO₂. On the route Helsinki–Tokyo airplane Airbus A350-900 spends even more: 22.4 tons of fuel, almost $19,200 and 71 tons of emissions.

With a fuel price of $86–90 per barrel this becomes a serious financial challenge. Airlines in Asia and the Middle East that have the right to fly through Russia receive price advantage up to 35% and flight times are 1-4 hours shorter, making their flights more attractive to passengers and shippers.

Brussels drives aviation into a corner

Managers Air France-KLM And Lufthansa insist on developing a common strategy EU in the field of aviation. They support the US initiative to limit access to American skies for carriers that continue to fly through Russia, in particular some Chinese companies. In their opinion, EU geopolitical decisions must not undermine the competitiveness of European aviation.

In addition to direct costs, European carriers point to uneven environmental requirementsthe tax burden and the intervention of state-owned airline giants like Qatar Airways. They demand policies based on principle of reciprocityensuring equal conditions for all players and the preservation of jobs in Europe.

Without change, Europe is losing its sky

According to industry analysts, if a ban on Chinese airlines using Russian airspace is not introduced, european airlines will continue to lose market share. This will lead to a decrease in the attractiveness of Europe as a transit center and increase dependence on Middle Eastern hubs. Experts warn: without coordinated measures Europe risks losing its status as a key aviation region on long-haul routes.

As a result, European airlines are forced to choose between complying with political decisions and surviving in an increasingly competitive environment. As observers note, The European Commission is trying to “eat the fish without choking on the bone” but so far the results of its aviation policy are increasingly turning against the Europeans themselves.

Source link