Aviation industry leaders expressed deep concerns over the practicalities and costs of European Commission green fuel mandates during the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) European Conference in Copenhagen this morning (20 March).
Eddy Liegeois, Head of Aviation Policy at the Commission, presented an overview of the EU’s strategic direction, claiming a commitment to sustainability, competitiveness, and connectivity.
Liegeois outlined upcoming regulatory changes, including a planned review of the Air Service Regulation in 2026, aimed at improving ownership rules and access to finance and revisiting airport slot allocation and charges, with a focus on ensuring fairness and promoting green investments.
However, Nadia Giordimaina of KM Malta Airlines criticised the Commission’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandates, particularly the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative.
She said that the current regulations “do not work” and are negatively impacting the industry’s sustainability, competitiveness, and connectivity.
Giordimaina raised concerns about the perceived failure of the fuel suppliers’ flexibility mechanism, the disproportionate cost burden placed on airlines without adequate SAF supply, and the detrimental effects on regional routes.
She also highlighted the administrative challenges of justifying conventional fuel uplift for safety reasons, and the cumulative impact of multiple regulatory deadlines.
“Waiting until 2027 to rectify these issues is not an option,” she asserted, calling for urgent action.
Her views were greeted by loud applause from the audience of ERA members.
Liegeois acknowledged the industry’s concerns, the early stage of SAF implementation and the need to allow new regulations time to mature. He pointed to existing funding mechanisms designed to support SAF uptake and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to addressing the price gap between conventional and synthetic fuels.
Eddy Liegeois, Head of Aviation Policy at the European Commission, talks to delegates, including Nadia Giordimaina of KM Malta Airlines, after the session.
