The Federal Association of German Air Carriers (BDF) responded positively to the implementation of the EU policy on airport fees. It is a confirmation by the committee, the parliament and the council of transport ministers of a basic need to regulate the seesaw over airport fees in Europe.
In a third attempt, the EU now agreed that each member state shall establish an independent supervisory body by 2010, which will inspect airport fees following uniform criteria. Airlines are hoping for the changes to bring more transparency and equality, but also more efficiency to the benefit of their passengers. Airport fees amounting to about 2 billion euros are incurred in Germany each year.
The BDF feels confirmed in its recommendation to utilize the Federal Network Agency in the national implementation of the policy. In view of the fact that the 16 federal states, who used to bear the responsibility, could not be independent due to their being proprietors in airport affairs and were thus not willing to take on the task, the Federal Network Agency is a competent and unbureaucratic solution. The authority is already responsible for railway infrastructure fees since 2006, following a request by the federal states.
For several years, now, the airlines have been making their stand in the international competition and offer inexpensive tickets, providing mobility for large parts of the populace. Price increases due to state regulations and increased airport fees may thwart these efforts. The German airlines see themselves as their clients’ advocates and are committed to ensure that all partners in air transportation make their contribution to providing inexpensive and consumer-friendly mobility.
The association regrets the continued exclusion of small airports from these measures. At German airports with passenger numbers below five million, the fee policies are particularly far off the market economy. Various airports are being kept alive with the help of public subsidies, benefiting individual clients and thus distorting airline competition. This calls for more transparency, especially for the benefit of the taxpayer.
The BDF represents the interests of German air carriers in the scheduled flight, charter flight and low cost segments in the face of the economy and politics. The members of the association are among the safest airlines in the world. They transport 120 million passengers each year, utilizing more than 700 modern aircraft. The companies generate earnings of around 27 billion euros annually. Together, the BDF airlines provide 120,000 jobs.
