COMMENT: Unfair Competition
The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has issued a fascinating document ”Discrimination Against Air Transport ” Unjustified and Unjust”. The paper has been researched and compiled by the Swiss-based Olaf Dlugi Consulting. In his introduction Mike Ambrose, ERA director general, points out that the examples of discrimination given in the document represent, when considered collectively, an enormous competitive disadvantage for airlines operating within Europe. Yes airline fuel is not taxed but it is also noted that in most EU countries electricity is not taxed either and 70% of energy used by rail is electricity. The report highlights 24 items of regulatory discrimination against air transport. It is a weighty document which again and again points out a legislative bias towards traditional means of transport. Typically on terrorist security ERA notes that whilst the air travel industry is charged for this service (which is passed on to the customer) no similar measure has been applied to other modes of transport. It calls on European governments to bear the cost of protecting its citizens from unlawful attack whilst travelling on any mode of public transport. There is deep concern regarding the future introduction of penalties regarding late departure and arrival of aircraft. Once again the report complains that there is not an equal playing field and that all modes of transport should be subject to equivalent legislation. In all ERA has highlighted 37 points which it says demonstrate discrimination against air transport. Whether it be state aid, taxation, passenger rights, safety, insurance or the environment the ERA is unequivocal in its condemnation of what it sees as prejudicing passenger and cargo air transport. The organisation says it is committed to fighting this prejudice. ”Until such times as these discriminatory items are resolved, it will be impossible for Europe”s legislators to establish a common European transport policy that is in the overall interests of Europe”s citizens, businesses and regions. The ERA Board will continue with this campaign with vigour and determination”.
http://www.eraa.org