At the 2021 Air Cargo Industry Meeting, BARIG, The Board of Airline Representatives in Germany, set forth a reasoned framework for airline sustainability. The future requires industrial, economic and political cooperation, innovation, and the elimination of bans or taxes.
On Monday (June 7, 2021), BARIG, the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany, made a statement at the Air Cargo 2021 Industry Meeting. The organization recognized three tenets for the industry’s partnership for a sustainable future. First, there must be a collaboration between the industry, economic interests and political forces. Next, the common desire to create restrictions and or taxes on the air transport industry must be tempered, especially considering the historic fragility of the business. Finally, and most importantly, a successful air transport industry not only contributes to the economic stability of all nations, but also contributes to the ancillary wealth that will support the world’s overall climate protection goals.
In Monday’s announcement, BARIG’s Secretary General of the Board, Michael Hoppe, said,
“Climate protection in aviation can only be achieved sustainably and efficiently if the industry, economy, and politics work together constructively. In addition, measures must be coordinated and implemented at an international level. Air traffic and climate protection are by no means mutually exclusive. On the contrary, the aviation industry appears as a partner for a shared, sustainable future. It is a driver of economic prosperity and, thus, helps to finance the basic prerequisite for investments and further research in nature, climate, and environmental protection.”
Other Participants in this year’s virtual 2021 Air Cargo Industry Meeting at Cologne Bonne Airport included the German Air Transport Association (BDL), The Federation of German Industries (BDI), and the German Freight Forwarding and Logistics Association (DSLV). The meeting focused on the recent call of several politicians to unilaterally distort the competition of the industry against German airlines. BARIG, therefore has recommended other measures which could achieve the same environmental goals, without tying one hand behind the back of the managers of German airlines, including emissions trading and other universal advancements, such as the use of sustainable aviation fuels.
BARIG further voiced their support of the advancement of intramodality, where rail represents the most efficient short-haul connectivity option, though substantial infrastructure investments will need to be made for the seamless transition demanded by modern travelers. For example, existing routes would need to be expanded, especially the introduction of high speed rail connections to Munich Airport and major German cities.
Founded in 1951, Frankfurt-based BARIG (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany e.V.) represents over 100 national and international airlines in the scheduled, charter, low cost and air cargo sectors. The association works to improve conditions in the aviation industry in Germany and is the key industry contact for politics, authorities, industry and media.
Source: BARIG/Classen Communication