Archive 2011

Harsh criticism across the entire globe

Starting January 2012, all flights taking off and landing in Europe are to present emission allowances. On the eve of the launch, numerous non-European states are now expressing fierce opposition. In the interest of climate protection and fair competition, the EU must stay its course and refuse to grant exemptions. more ...

Enormous challenges for the future

The Single European Sky is Europe's most important project in aviation policy. The goals are to increase timeliness and reduce carbon emissions through direct flight routes and greater cost efficiency. Yet implementation continues to drag on; member states have fallen far behind the targets they set for themselves. more ...

Safeguard hubs against state-supported expansion in the Gulf

Whether airlines, airports, or government supervisory authority - the entire aviation value chain is under single control in the Gulf states. Emirates & Co. thus enjoy enormous advantages over private airlines. European policy makers would do well to stand up for fair competition at a global level. more ...

Aim for European solution

Airlines in Germany will soon participate in a dispute resolution body to resolve conflicts with passengers. This national solution is less than optimal for travellers and airlines. The aim should be to have a uniform procedure throughout Europe. more ...

End the race for dubious subsidies

Whether on the Baltic Sea, in the eastern German states, or in Allgäu, local and state officials are supporting their micro-airports with millions and millions of euros. Given that public coffers are empty and high risks have followed in the wake of the euro crisis, this wastefulness must finally be brought to an end. more ...

++ Lufthansa: Pioneer in biofuels ++ Air cargo: Global security strategy instead of patchwork ++ Volcanic ash: Engine manufacturers need to step up ++ more ...

EU aviation must remain competitive

The pressure from competition in global aviation continues to grow. To be able to compete in the global marketplace, European airlines need markedly better framework conditions. On issues such as the Single European Sky, ground services, or slot allocation, the EU and member states must in the coming months take decisions that will set the direction for the future of EU aviation. more ...

Avoid distortions of competition

Starting in early 2012, all airlines taking off and landing in the EU are to submit emission allowances. But a growing number of non-European states are fighting the plan to include their airlines in the emissions trading system. Yet exceptions for competitors would seriously harm both the system's environmental aims and efficient competition. more ...

Internationally harmonised security

The EU is striving to bring about harmonised security provisions. Yet member states are constantly delaying implementation of the adopted measures. Still, Germany represents a bright spot: As of mid-June, connecting passengers from the U.S. no longer have to undergo a second security scanning here, as provided for under prevailing EU law. more ...

Aviation moving at a clip

Like no other mode of transport, aviation depends on biofuels to further reduce its carbon emissions. Open issues such as production capacity and raw materials must be resolved as quickly as possible. The Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany (aireg), which was created in early June 2011, has taken up this aim. more ...

Lufthansa sets new record in efficiency

The Lufthansa fleet used only 4.2 litres of kerosene per 100 passenger kilometres in 2010, a new efficiency record in the company's history. The airline has thus improved its average consumption by 32 percent over 1991 - investments totalling in the billions and Group-wide innovations are making these achievements possible. more ...

++ Volcanic ash: Create clear rules ++ more ...

Emissions trading: No half measures

Emissions trading will launch for EU aviation in 2012. Yet problems are mounting: The EU directive is being interpreted inconsistently, the allocation of free emissions allowances is evidently distorted, and it is utterly unclear how reluctant third states and airlines can be brought on board - should we say good-bye to neutrality in competition? more ...

Europe must keep up

Europe has the lowest growth in air traffic worldwide. Jobs and the creation of value are at stake. The EU and member states are called on to offer fair and reliable regulatory conditions to the aviation industry - and to just say no to the constant pressure by the Gulf State carriers to receive even more traffic rights. more ...

More air traffic - fewer emissions

Minus 10 percent emissions, plus 300 percent capacities - those are convincing arguments to finally implement the Single European Sky and to equip air traffic management with cutting-edge technology. Policy makers are called on to advance Europe's most important transport and climate policy endeavour - and to ensure a fair burden-sharing. more ...

Efficiently guaranteeing highest level of security

Strict and well-established security standards apply in the EU. Lufthansa Cargo alone annually invests tens of millions of euros in the respective measures. It goes without saying that even more security must be agreed in an international dialogue - additional costs to the airlines must be ruled out. more ...

Responsible personnel policies pay off

Lufthansa has long been among the most popular employers, given its attractive work environment, work-life balance, diversity - and, of course, the highest level of reliability, even in economically difficult times. more ...

++ Ryanair: The nomadic airline moves on ++ 6 IATA Safety Report ++ Cargo Climate Care Award ++ Lufthansa fleet: Investing billions in fuel-efficient flying ++ more ...