European airports back Brussels bid to safeguard jet fuel supplies

Airports have welcomed a European Commission response plan to the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.The AccelerateEU scheme outlines a series of “critical measures” aimed in particular at safeguarding the continued availability of jet fuel across the European airport network.

They largely reflect key demands made by airports trade body ACI Europe made in earlier this month to the EU energy and transport commissioners

The measures include:•    The establishment of an EU ‘fuel observatory’, mapping the supply and available stocks in the EU of jet fuel.•    Immediate co-ordination with member states, fuel suppliers, airlines and airports of alternative sources of jet fuel supply and proposals to optimise distribution to ensure availability across all regions and airports.•    Assessment of the need to review EU rules on strategic stocks to include specific jet fuel requirements.ACI Europe director general Olivier Jankovec said: “No airport in Europe is currently facing jet fuel shortages, and flight operations are proceeding normally.

“But the plan adopted is the adequate strategy and response to mitigate potential jet fuel shortage risks, given how uncertain the situation remains over the resumption of the safe and stable passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Europe’s airportsare fully committed to support its implementation and to co-operate with all stakeholders involved – which will certainly require more transparency on the side of fuel suppliers.” “This is all about protecting vital air connectivity for citizens and businesses, not least the wider tourism sector which air travel enables.

“And for that, in addition to what the commission has laid out, we need member states to urgently suspend their aviation taxes, so as to cushion price impacts.”He added: “The past weeks have exposed weaknesses in the EU’s refining capacity and our dependency on imports. 

“This only reinforces the urgency of doubling down on EU and national support for decarbonisation through the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels.”