Pressemitteilung: PARLIAMENT STUDY EXAMINES COMPETITIVENESS OF THE EU AVIATION SECTOR / A study prepared by STEER for the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) provides a comprehensive assessment of the competitiveness of the EU aviation sector and identifies a range of policy options to strengthen its long-term position in an increasingly competitive global market. The report analyses the entire aviation value chain, including airlines, airports, ground handling, air navigation services, aerospace and aviation fuel supply. It examines both the sector's economic contribution and the challenges arising from global competition, decarbonisation requirements, infrastructure needs and regulatory developments. The study highlights the continued strategic importance of air cargo for European trade and supply chains. In 2024, air cargo volumes transported across the EU-27 reached 14.6 million tonnes, with Germany accounting for approximately one-third of the total. Over the period 2015–2024, air cargo volumes grew by around 15%, with extra-EU traffic representing more than 83% of total freight throughput. The report notes the importance of maintaining international connectivity, as air freight continues to play a critical role in the transport of time-sensitive and high-value goods. (....)