Aviation agreement
The More open the market, the more important the rules
According to a study conducted by the OECD, the German aviation market is among the most liberal in the world. Around 160 airlines from all continents fly to German airports. The basis for this is the EU internal market and aviation agreements negotiated by the Federal Ministry of Transport or the EU Commission. These internationally binding contracts have been safeguarding the steadily increasing diversity of connections worldwide for decades – and are irreplaceable when it comes to fair competition.
Competition on a level playing field?
Take the example of Berlin – Bangkok: Travellers can choose between numerous connections on this route. For example, flights that go via Frankfurt, Paris and London compete directly with flights via Istanbul or Doha. Answers to important questions regarding fair competition are very different depending on the hub in question. Future aviation agreements should ensure fair competition rules and social standards.
Competition on a level playing field?
Take the example of Berlin – Bangkok: Travellers can choose between numerous connections on this route. For example, flights that go via Frankfurt, Paris and London compete directly with flights via Istanbul or Doha. Answers to important questions regarding fair competition are very different depending on the hub in question. Future aviation agreements should ensure fair competition rules and social standards.
Aviation agreements regulate access to the market and basically define the rules of competition between the respective states. This is all the more important because, unlike other major industries, the World Trade Organization (WTO) plays no role in aviation and accordingly does not act as an authority with regard to fair competition.
The EU Commission is currently negotiating new agreements – also on behalf of Germany – with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Turkey and the Southeast Asian ASEAN states. The following premises are important:
Opening up opportunities: The agreements serve to open up attractive market opportunities for airlines and airports – both in the EU and in third countries. Both parties should benefit economically from this.
Ensuring fair competition: The agreements serve to open up attractive market opportunities for airlines and airports – both in the EU and in third countries. Both parties should benefit economically from this.
Maintaining social standards: Important achievements – such as the right to strike and protection against dismissal – must be taken into account when market access conditions are designed.
The general rule is that, the more open a market is, the more vital it is that the same rules apply to all airlines.
Competition on a level playing field?
Take the example of Berlin – Bangkok: Travellers can choose between numerous connections on this route. For example, flights that go via Frankfurt, Paris and London compete directly with flights via Istanbul or Doha. Answers to important questions regarding fair competition are very different depending on the hub in question. Future aviation agreements should ensure fair competition rules and social standards.
Competition on a level playing field?
Take the example of Berlin – Bangkok: Travellers can choose between numerous connections on this route. For example, flights that go via Frankfurt, Paris and London compete directly with flights via Istanbul or Doha. Answers to important questions regarding fair competition are very different depending on the hub in question. Future aviation agreements should ensure fair competition rules and social standards.
Competition on a level playing field?
Take the example of Berlin – Bangkok: Travellers can choose between numerous connections on this route. For example, flights that go via Frankfurt, Paris and London compete directly with flights via Istanbul or Doha. Answers to important questions regarding fair competition are very different depending on the hub in question. Future aviation agreements should ensure fair competition rules and social standards.