European air cargo CEOs unveiled key policies for the new EU mandate in the first ever Airlines for Europe (A4E) Air Cargo Policy Manifesto.

The manifesto outlines specific ways that EU policymakers can support air cargo carriers through efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability.

It calls for harmonisation among member states when implementing EU rules on security and customs practices; more ambitious joint efforts to digitalise the entire logistics chain and increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel.

Speaking at A4E’s Air Cargo: Europe’s Bridge to the Global Economy event in Brussels today (Wednesday 4 December), Peter Gerber, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo says: “To ensure air cargo’s continuous, sustainable growth over the next decades, joint efforts are needed to preserve and enhance the competitiveness of the sector for the benefit of European consumers and businesses alike. This includes the development of a regulatory framework which focuses on seamless and efficient EU trade with the rest of the world – prioritising security, customs and digitalisation initiatives.”

The majority of A4E members have air cargo and mail operations, and though companies are improving efficiency, these often require high investments on the part of airlines.

Thomas Reynaert, managing director of A4E says: “Given its high operational and infrastructure costs, commitment from EU leaders to the air cargo sector is increasingly important to streamline complex EU regulations and implement them at national level.”

He adds: “Policymakers can also make a lasting contribution to carriers’ transformation efforts by enabling funding for digitalisation and innovation projects, as well as incentivising sustainable aviation fuel use. Our members look forward to contributing to the sustainable growth of the sector by working hand-in-hand with the European institutions in the coming years.”