Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2000-05-03-Speech-3-100"
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"en.20000503.6.3-100"2
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"Mr President, aviation is undergoing turbulent times. The report drafted by Mr Sterckx elaborates on the effects of strong growth within the sector. The enormous competition within the industry has led to a price war in certain sectors. The number of passengers and, alongside this, the number of flights, is growing at an alarming rate. The rapporteur is looking for the solution to congestion in a common airspace and European air traffic control. I support him in this.
Competition also leads to lower costs. The pressure on personnel in the sector is increasing both socially and financially. It is vital to guarantee their rights. I endorse the rapporteur’s observations that proposals are required which deal with the social dimension.
Passengers also suffer as a result of the commercial war. Although air fares have come down in certain areas, there are situations in which their rights – including those in the event of overbooking – are under real threat. This too needs to be regulated.
The impact of all these developments on the environment is of vital importance. Achievements as regards innovations in terms of emission values, noise and harmful substances cannot offset the environmental damage caused by the dramatic growth in aviation. And this is not likely to change in the foreseeable future
It is therefore necessary to consider the position which we want to, and must, accord aviation. In some cases, only air transport is possible but in the case of holidays, for example, the increasing demand for transport can only be met through other means.
This report should also accommodate the downside of a worldwide aviation market. Solutions which spring to mind in this respect include a common traffic control system, stimulation of technological innovation for engines and promotion of alternative methods of transport for passengers and goods, i.e. trains for passengers and coastal navigation for goods.
In my opinion, imposing VAT on flight services and excise on kerosene, which are, in fact, levied on other means of transportation – at intra-European level if necessary – will contribute to a more balanced view of the costs generated by the different means of transportation.
In short, the aviation industry is heading for stormy weather. It is up to us to guide it through this in the interests of society. In our opinion, the rapporteur is steering things in the right direction."@en1
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