On Wednesday 6 May, the government announced support measures for the aviation sector. The CSAE welcomes this first step, as well as the collective action led by the National Federation of Aviation and Related Professions (FNAM).
With rising kerosene prices, concerns over supply and traffic disruptions at major international hubs, the crisis in the Middle East is having a significant impact on global air transport operations. In France, airlines, tourism operators and travellers are bracing themselves for a particularly challenging summer season.
In light of this situation, the FNAM has put forward a set of specific and urgent requests to the French authorities. The meeting on 6 May at the Ministry of Transport, which brought together airlines, trade organisations and government representatives, resulted in concrete announcements: greater flexibility in fuel management, relaxation of flight slot rules, relaxation of flight bans over certain countries, deferrals of charges and easier access to Bpifrance loans for air transport companies…
The CSAE, an active member of the FNAM, welcomes the fact that the dialogue between the public authorities and the aviation sector has yielded swift and pragmatic results. It hopes that this momentum will continue, whilst continuing to take into account the entire French aviation ecosystem.
Whilst these measures primarily affect airlines, their effects—along with those of the current situation—are felt by all airport stakeholders.
Ground handling companies and their 22,000 staff are fully mobilised on the ground to support the operational adjustments required due to cancellations, delays and schedule changes.
At the same time, the decline in activity and economic pressures faced by both airlines and airports are having a direct impact on ground handling companies and the jobs they provide at each airport, both in mainland France and in the overseas departments and regions.
The CSAE remains committed to working alongside the FNAM and all stakeholders in the sector to navigate this period responsibly, in a spirit of cooperation and operational continuity, and to work together to build a more resilient French aviation industry.