Germany’s Lufthansa Group, Fraport and Munich Airport have supported the climate protection goals proposed by the European Union (EU) to make aviation CO₂-neutral by 2050.

The trio also called for a climate policy that would provide a level playing field for all, including competitors outside Europe.

“A policy is needed that prevents traffic and CO₂ emissions being shifted without a climate benefit (carbon leakage),” the aviation entities said.

The trio is urging the EU Parliament and Council to improve the EU’s proposals as well as set up regulations for effective climate protection and to maintain the competitiveness of European hubs and airlines.

Deutsche Lufthansa executive board chairman and CEO Carsten Spohr said: “The carbon emissions of aviation would be shifted and not reduced with the measures that are currently planned.

“As a result, Europe would become more dependent on third countries regarding transport policy. This cannot be the intention of policymakers.”

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The European Commission (EC) proposed three measures for aviation in its climate protection package, called ‘Fit for 55’.

These measures include a kerosene tax, tightening emissions trading (ETS) and introducing an increasing blending mandate for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

German aviation companies are seeking a definitive climate protection agenda while advancing the decarbonisation of operations involving expensive investments.

The Fit for 55 package is expected to lead to a unilateral cost rise for European network airlines and hubs if the current plans are implemented without proper changes.

Connectivity, value creation and employment in Europe would also be diluted with the new measures.

Fraport CEO Dr Stefan Schulte said: “Yes, we need more effort and speed in climate protection! It’s not a question of ‘whether’ but one of ‘how’ to pursue ambitious climate policies. As such, we want to avoid the risk of carbon leakage and of competitive distortions.”

In January, Lufthansa announced that it is considering the purchase of a 40% interest in Italian state-owned flag carrier ITA Airways.