POSITION | TRANSPORT POLICY | AVIATION
EU Aviation Strategy Recommendations for competitiveness, technological leadership, climate protection and sovereignty
May 21, 2026 Summary The aviation industry and the air transport sector ensure the mobility of passengers and goods, safeguard both civil and military technological leadership, and thereby substantially contribute to climate protection, security, and the strategic sovereignty of the European Union. As a key strategic industry, aviation drives cross-sector innovation, creates high-quality jobs, and generates sustainable value. It is a central pillar of Europe’s resilience and, through the close interaction between civil and military applications, significantly contributes to overall defence readiness. At the same time, the aviation sector is facing significant challenges. High operating costs in Europe, combined with an increasingly complex and asymmetrical regulatory framework, place a disproportionate burden on both the air transport sector and the aviation industry. This weakens their international competitiveness and leads to a decline in connectivity, which represents a critical location factor for Europe’s export-oriented economy. In addition, the transition to climate neutrality requires substantial investment from airlines, airports, aircraft and engine manufacturers, as well as their upstream supply chains. Simultaneously, capabilities in military aviation need to be strengthened. To ensure that European aviation remains globally competitive, meets growing mobility demands, and contributes to Europe’s security, a strong EU commitment to both civil and military aviation and a more competitive regulatory environment are essential. Most importantly: ▪
a competitive-neutral regulatory framework for climate protection in air transport,
▪
effective research and technology funding in civil and military aviation,
▪
framework conditions that support the ramp-up of sustainable aviation fuels and
▪
an efficient aviation security regime and air traffic management that reconciles noise protection with economic interests in accordance with international standards.
Marco Kutscher | Division Energy, Transport and Environment | T: +49 30 2028-1751 | m.kutscher@bdi.eu | www.bdi.eu